By Channing Henson
Every once in a while, Fargo plays host to a certain pedigree of indie-rock band that triggers a collective buzz amongst the local music scene. A band capable of finding a niche within all varieties of indie snobs, scenesters, and the bar crowd. Low headlining the Avalon late 2003, or perhaps The Decemberists only last April come to mind. Maybe Xiu Xiu, Against Me!, and Brian Jonestown Massacre all deserve to be recognized as some of the greats that have recently passed through. Performances that people remember and still talk about to this day. Not since the Hold Steady last October has a band of such distinguished critical and commercial acclaim passed through our modest city. However, next Wednesday the Aquarium will present another remarkable show, as one of indie-rock's heavy hitters, Minus the Bear, roll into town
Minus the Bear is a band destined to play the ubiquitous roll of indie stardom. Members of the super-group have been a relative force in Seattle's diverse music scene for the past decade, pulling duty for such seminal hardcore acts such as Botch, Kill Sadie, and Sharks Keep Moving. Extracting the technical proficiency of said bands, they have found a more tempered, accessible sound that has landed them on extensive tours with Braid, Thursday, and the Appleseed Cast. With two full length albums and three solid EP's, MTB have been gathering fans like a giant lint roller, building a massive, loyal fanbase in the process.
In the band's 5 prolific years, they have managed to find enough elbow space within the claustrophobic northwest music scene, to stand out and contribute to the area?s musical plight. Keyboardist Matt Bayles has even made a name for himself as a music producer, manning the helm for such noteworthy bands as Mastadon, the Blood Brothers, Pretty Girls Make Graves, and even Pearl Jam. So much in fact, that he amicably parted from the band to pursue a career in the field after the release of their latest album, Menos El Oso.
I'll be the first to admit that I didn't care for Menos El Oso the first time I listened to it. Gone is the melodic immediacy and countering hooks of their previous offerings, as well as the clever finger-tapping guitar licks and anthemic choruses. The new songs, at first, felt spiritless and unfocused; short on ideas, while its arrangements felt too dense and without energy. The opening track springs to mind mainstream turd-rockers 311, sans the bong-rips.
But I changed my perspective and gave it another try. Lo and behold, I found myself slowly coming around to appreciate the album. By the first week, I was hooked, reeled in, and cooked on the grill. It took a while (I'm a little dense, alright) to peel back the multiple layers of harmony and poly-rhythms, to discover the subtle nods to different genres the band offers.
Menos El Oso shows a band maturing their sound whether you're on board or not. Lead singer Jake Snyder delivers a somewhat ballsier Ben Gibbard-esque, yet somewhat detached performance, which actually suits well with the songs as a whole. The spring loaded guitars show the most restraint, allowing the rhythm section to breathe and create a fluid undercurrent for the vocals to float on. The guys balance atmosphere and energy better than anyone this side of the Dismemberment Plan. There are also enough synthesizers and digital ear candy within the mix to satisfy your electronic needs. In the end, Minus the Bear has developed an engaging and hypnotic album that will appeal to old and new fans alike.
If there was anything that has slowed Minus the Bear's momentum over the years, it would be the fault of not taking themselves seriously. Most notably their penchant for moronic (some would argue "funny") song titles, such as the sophomoric "Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister," or the baffling "Damn Bugs Whacked Him, Johnny." Unfortunate, as their songs never came across humorously. And as expected, lazy music journalists have berated the band over the subject throughout their short history. It's been a distraction for the band that has ultimately push them towards a different direction. But regardless of changes the band has weathered, Minus the Bear have remained true to what makes them a unique band for their time; an intelligent, technically sound band who balances beautiful textures and dynamic melodies better than any of its contemporaries.
Minus the Bear will be performing at the Aquarium on Wednesday, April 19th. Sharing the stage is Chicago instrumental group Russian Circles. A band that, oddly enough, shares practice space with Pelican, an amazing instrumental band that headlined the Aquarium on the 5th. Top local prospects Battle at Sea and Diversion Scene hold down the rest of the lineup. The show is being scheduled as an all-ages event, but might be changed to 21+ if the city's new entertainment law is enforced. You may purchase tickets in advance at $8, or $10 at the door. Show begins at 7:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact HPR or [email protected]