This band came on my radar I think in 2008 or maybe 2009.
They definitely go into the category of "what could have been."
A label offered them a deal, but the label would have taken like 80% of the revenue.
The 2 EPs they made are both really good. Excellent melodic, PCR. Prog sort of in the vein of The Mars Volta or Minus the Bear.
I dunno if there's been any chance of a reunion. I know 1 of the guys formed a band called "Zookeeper's Palace" (big Mew fans) if I recall correctly, they released at least 1 album that the guy kindly sent me a copy of (or maybe a d/l link? I forget). Unfortunately, like Hidden Hospitals and some others, I never could get into them, at least at that point.
But if 100Ft Snowman ever came back, I would be overjoyed.
The media market is huge, thus the need for a media review market.
This is our little contribution to that field.
Showing posts with label Minus the Bear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minus the Bear. Show all posts
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
MINUS THE BEAR: Rest in Peace
So to see Minus the Bear finally call it a day, I guess does not come as some highly surprising shock.
They seem to kind of plateau maybe a couple of years back on a commercial level.
And musically? while I wish I could say they were making music I loved recently, I can't totally say that. At the same time, I guess I can admit to enjoying some of the songs from Infinity Overhead and OMNI.
VOIDS? I'm guilty to having never checked out largely due to reading comments about it not straying all that much from their recent records.
Of course the deal for me with Minus the Bear:
I could never fully get into them until 2007 with Planet of Ice, which is their most prog-rock like. I read more than 1 thing with the members saying they were listening to a lot of King Crimson when they wrote it.
They combined college rock, with mathrock and some pop sensibilities on it, that seemed to really work.
I recall going back to their previous records Menos el Oso and Highly Refined Pirates, and even an EP or 2, and finding more to like than before.
Although the issue with the vocals being soft, or something, I still think exists, but it doesn't bother me as much.
I guess I cannot forget seeing them live. I saw them, 3 or 4 times. I can't recall.
The 1st time was with The Helio Sequence at First Avenue. And while they were good, THS were better. Honestly MUCH better, and this was on the Planet of Ice tour in 2007.
Anyway, then I saw them again, I think in 2008 with Annuals at The Varsity Theater. Annuals I had seen a few times before and were really good (group drum jams included), and like The Helio Sequence, Annuals were better, lol.
I don't remember when I saw them again after that, but one other time was with my gf I want to say in 2012 at The Varsity Theater again, with The Velvet Teen. And while I'm not sure if TVT like Annuals and The Helio Sequence, out-staged them, I can saw I went to see TVT more.
I mean I can't say I'm happy they are ending, but at the same time, I'm not depressed. I would be up for seeing them 1 last time at The Varsity Theater on 10/15, although as it turns out, it is the same night I was thinking of seeing The Church at The Turf Club.
also a note, they mentioned Planet of Ice, Crimson and progrock when they guested on Live from Daryl's House, which I recall they did a cover of something off Sacred Songs, the album Daryl Hall made with Robert Fripp.
RIP Minus the Bear. Someone said Foals may not be around without them, which if so, I am grateful. It just adds to the list of bands what I might look at the "Golden Era" of progressive college rock in the mid-late 2000''s until today, who are gone.
RIP.
Facebook Post

Friends,
After almost two decades of writing and touring the world together, we have decided to close this chapter of our lives as Minus the Bear.
What started as a silly inside joke inside the dingy confines of Seattle’s original Cha Cha Lounge back in 2001 quickly snowballed into years of adventures, creativity, and friendship. We could have never predicted the wild journey about to begin. We’ve accomplished so much over the past 17 years, and we are grateful for the experience.
Undoubtedly we owe all of these adventures to you, our fans. Without all of you, the memories of traveling the world, exploring different cultures, and witnessing the delight of your beautiful faces singing along wouldn’t have been possible. Your support weathered us through storms that easily could have scuttled the band. Throughout the years, it’s you who kept us going. We cannot thank you enough.
This Autumn we head out on our final tour in support of our upcoming 4-song EP “Fair Enough” courtesy of Suicide Squeeze Records. You can hear the title track and read our interview here: https://bit.ly/2utoQ1d
These final shows are a celebration for the community of fans who gave us so much through years of dedication. We’ll be digging deep in the MTB catalogue and we are honored for the opportunity to play our hearts out for you one last time.
Love,
Alex, Cory, Dave and Jake
They seem to kind of plateau maybe a couple of years back on a commercial level.
And musically? while I wish I could say they were making music I loved recently, I can't totally say that. At the same time, I guess I can admit to enjoying some of the songs from Infinity Overhead and OMNI.
VOIDS? I'm guilty to having never checked out largely due to reading comments about it not straying all that much from their recent records.
Of course the deal for me with Minus the Bear:
I could never fully get into them until 2007 with Planet of Ice, which is their most prog-rock like. I read more than 1 thing with the members saying they were listening to a lot of King Crimson when they wrote it.
They combined college rock, with mathrock and some pop sensibilities on it, that seemed to really work.
I recall going back to their previous records Menos el Oso and Highly Refined Pirates, and even an EP or 2, and finding more to like than before.
Although the issue with the vocals being soft, or something, I still think exists, but it doesn't bother me as much.
I guess I cannot forget seeing them live. I saw them, 3 or 4 times. I can't recall.
The 1st time was with The Helio Sequence at First Avenue. And while they were good, THS were better. Honestly MUCH better, and this was on the Planet of Ice tour in 2007.
Anyway, then I saw them again, I think in 2008 with Annuals at The Varsity Theater. Annuals I had seen a few times before and were really good (group drum jams included), and like The Helio Sequence, Annuals were better, lol.
I don't remember when I saw them again after that, but one other time was with my gf I want to say in 2012 at The Varsity Theater again, with The Velvet Teen. And while I'm not sure if TVT like Annuals and The Helio Sequence, out-staged them, I can saw I went to see TVT more.
I mean I can't say I'm happy they are ending, but at the same time, I'm not depressed. I would be up for seeing them 1 last time at The Varsity Theater on 10/15, although as it turns out, it is the same night I was thinking of seeing The Church at The Turf Club.
also a note, they mentioned Planet of Ice, Crimson and progrock when they guested on Live from Daryl's House, which I recall they did a cover of something off Sacred Songs, the album Daryl Hall made with Robert Fripp.
RIP Minus the Bear. Someone said Foals may not be around without them, which if so, I am grateful. It just adds to the list of bands what I might look at the "Golden Era" of progressive college rock in the mid-late 2000''s until today, who are gone.
RIP.
Facebook Post

Friends,
After almost two decades of writing and touring the world together, we have decided to close this chapter of our lives as Minus the Bear.
What started as a silly inside joke inside the dingy confines of Seattle’s original Cha Cha Lounge back in 2001 quickly snowballed into years of adventures, creativity, and friendship. We could have never predicted the wild journey about to begin. We’ve accomplished so much over the past 17 years, and we are grateful for the experience.
Undoubtedly we owe all of these adventures to you, our fans. Without all of you, the memories of traveling the world, exploring different cultures, and witnessing the delight of your beautiful faces singing along wouldn’t have been possible. Your support weathered us through storms that easily could have scuttled the band. Throughout the years, it’s you who kept us going. We cannot thank you enough.
This Autumn we head out on our final tour in support of our upcoming 4-song EP “Fair Enough” courtesy of Suicide Squeeze Records. You can hear the title track and read our interview here: https://bit.ly/2utoQ1d
These final shows are a celebration for the community of fans who gave us so much through years of dedication. We’ll be digging deep in the MTB catalogue and we are honored for the opportunity to play our hearts out for you one last time.
Love,
Alex, Cory, Dave and Jake
Labels:
Annuals
,
Daryl Hall
,
Foals
,
Menos el Oso
,
Minus the Bear
,
Omni
,
Planet of Ice
,
The Helio Sequence
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Some more Vinyl and slight update (YouTube)
This is just showing some more vinyl and just a little rehash and announcement. I have a few days off in the coming weeks, which hopefully will allow more videos including some abbreviated video version of the Retro Favorite Albums.
Although, with those 3 High Holiday days off coming, I have of course some things that are a bit higher of a priority, like looking at a loan for a car and some long-needed cleaning of my barely used apartment if I'm going to be prepared to move in the next few months (or possibly as late as next June).
But time permitting, I will look to make some of the video reviews I mention in this update video.
Labels:
Genesis
,
Minus the Bear
,
Planet of Ice
,
Porcupine Tree
,
Stupid Dream
,
Vinyl videos
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Happy Body Slow Brain - Dream of Water (2010)
2/5/15 6:15AM
https://www.facebook.com/happybodyslowbrain
In the Reddit AMA from last Thursday 1/29/15 Casey Crescenzo mentioned Matt Fazzi, whose the lead singer/instrumentalist from this band helped The Dear Hunter on tour recently, and I had never heard/heard-of them. So I went ahead and checked them out and this is a pretty sweet record. Full of lush textures and intricate melodies at times.
In reading a bit about Matt's background, he was in Taking Back Sunday and also one of the main people behind the band Facing New York who I was into for a little while in the mid 2000's. So, I'm not totally surprised I enjoy this band and this debut album of theirs from 2010.
Also if I had to compare them to 1 band, it would be Minus the Bear. Maybe the Planet of Ice period (which is my favorite MtB album anyway). With the sweeping tones and the melody + atmosphere.
I also noticed they may be putting out a new record soon, which my timing for getting into them seems pretty good.
Interesting also to notice of all people thanks, 1 being Gavin Castleton.
My favorites? "Up Late" and "What About Us?" are pretty fantastic. Also "Time." "The Flight," "The Bridge" and I'd say especially the 2nd half of the record. But I've only listened to this album twice and I'm still taking a lot of it in.
But as far as their present state, I think they may be one of those bands who are getting better with time. I kind of always felt that about Facing New York. They were good, or had nice moments, but it may have only been a matter of time before they created something totally amazing.
I guess we'll see, I'm streaming some of their Sleep EP from 2012 now on their bandcamp, really nice, textured, atmospheric stuff.
https://www.facebook.com/happybodyslowbrain
In the Reddit AMA from last Thursday 1/29/15 Casey Crescenzo mentioned Matt Fazzi, whose the lead singer/instrumentalist from this band helped The Dear Hunter on tour recently, and I had never heard/heard-of them. So I went ahead and checked them out and this is a pretty sweet record. Full of lush textures and intricate melodies at times.
In reading a bit about Matt's background, he was in Taking Back Sunday and also one of the main people behind the band Facing New York who I was into for a little while in the mid 2000's. So, I'm not totally surprised I enjoy this band and this debut album of theirs from 2010.
Also if I had to compare them to 1 band, it would be Minus the Bear. Maybe the Planet of Ice period (which is my favorite MtB album anyway). With the sweeping tones and the melody + atmosphere.
I also noticed they may be putting out a new record soon, which my timing for getting into them seems pretty good.
Interesting also to notice of all people thanks, 1 being Gavin Castleton.
My favorites? "Up Late" and "What About Us?" are pretty fantastic. Also "Time." "The Flight," "The Bridge" and I'd say especially the 2nd half of the record. But I've only listened to this album twice and I'm still taking a lot of it in.
But as far as their present state, I think they may be one of those bands who are getting better with time. I kind of always felt that about Facing New York. They were good, or had nice moments, but it may have only been a matter of time before they created something totally amazing.
I guess we'll see, I'm streaming some of their Sleep EP from 2012 now on their bandcamp, really nice, textured, atmospheric stuff.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Ramona Falls touring with The Helio Sequence November 2012
Very cool double bill. The Helio Sequence are a band I've always liked, but never got blown away by in the studio. However, the 1 time I saw them at 1st Ave I think the Fall of 2007, it was only 2 guys, 1 Singer (and guitarist?) and a drummer/keyboardist (I think he may have *sequenced* a lot of the keys live). But this show I saw them, they opened for Minus the Bear (1 of 2 times I saw MtB get outstaged by their opening act).
At any case, THS are a band I definitely am up for seeing live again, and of course I love Ramona Falls. The Helio Sequence have a new record called Negotiations coming out on September 11. And of course RF's just released a great new record Prophet.
And this show is on Thursday November 8th at The Turf Club, which has become 1 of my 1st choices in venues for various reasons:
-in St.Paul/close
-Parking is free and convenient
-it's not Hipster really
I also just realized I own a Split 7" vinyl from The Helio Sequence/Menomena . Both acts are from the Pacific Northwest anyway, so this tour isn't incredibly surprising.
Facebook post from Ranmona Falls
I'm so excited to announce :
RAMONA FALLS on TOUR in NOVEMBER
(we open for The Helio Sequence (Official) )
2 November @ Dan's Silverleaf in DENTON, TX All Ages
5 November @ University of Oklahoma in NORMAN, OK (free)
6 November @ Mojo's in COLUMBIA, MO All Ages
7 November @ The Mill in IOWA CITY, IA
8 November @ Turf Club in ST. PAUL, MN 21+
9 November @ Shank Hall in MILWAUKEE, WI 21+
10 November @ Lincoln Hall in CHICAGO, IL 18+
12 November Horseshoe Tavern TORONTO, ON 19+
13 November il motore in MONTREAL, QC 18+
14 November @ Brighton Music Hall in BOSTON, MA 18+
15 November @ Bowery Ballroom in NEW YORK, NY 18+
16 November @ Black Cat in WASHINGTON, DC All Ages
17 November @ Underground Arts in PHILADELPHIA, PA
Mark your calendars! Hope to see you at a show!!!
Labels:
Menomena
,
Minus the Bear
,
Negotiations
,
Prophet
,
Ramona Falls
,
The Helio Sequence
,
The Turf Club
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Minus the Bear - Infinity Overhead (2012)
7/17/12 12:02PM
"Diamond Lightning" ..not bad, although really, the song's best moment is the outro, which leaves me a little unfulfilled. Perhaps the track that follows will add more.
7/2/12 11:15PM

1. Steel and Blood
2. Lies and Eyes
3. Diamond Lightning
4. Toska
5. Listing
6. Heaven Is A Ghost Town
7. Empty Party Rooms
8. Zeros
9. Lonely Gun
10. Cold Company
Here's another new record from Minus the Bear which is being released on August 28th. I'm not sure if they'll find the same place a band like Russian Circles has found for me, in sort of jumping the shark, and I only check out their new music briefly, but don't expect much.
2010's Omni was a big disappointment for me and many others, after I personally loved Planet of Ice. But, I will admit, seeing them last Fall with The Velvet Teen, it was the 1st show I actually felt they lived up to others rave live reviews. Although, that was a tour where they played all of their 1st record, Highly Refined Pirates. And even though I couldn't claim to have loved that album previously, that show has me wanting to revisit/reassess that and their 2nd record Menos el Oso.
The trailer and song "Lonely Gun" stream shared above (and a streaming link in the track list), are not wow-ing me or anything, but have a moment or 2. I guess they do sound more like Omni though, which concerns me. I do like the saxophone at least.
I suppose if this record ends up like Omni or worse, I probably won't have much optimism for their albums again. I suppose just reading reviews might help. But then again, maybe they'll change my mind about their new music live, like they did with their 1st album last fall.
We'll see.
http://minusthebear.com
http://dangerbirdrecords.com
"Diamond Lightning" ..not bad, although really, the song's best moment is the outro, which leaves me a little unfulfilled. Perhaps the track that follows will add more.
7/2/12 11:15PM

1. Steel and Blood
2. Lies and Eyes
3. Diamond Lightning
4. Toska
5. Listing
6. Heaven Is A Ghost Town
7. Empty Party Rooms
8. Zeros
9. Lonely Gun
10. Cold Company
Here's another new record from Minus the Bear which is being released on August 28th. I'm not sure if they'll find the same place a band like Russian Circles has found for me, in sort of jumping the shark, and I only check out their new music briefly, but don't expect much.
2010's Omni was a big disappointment for me and many others, after I personally loved Planet of Ice. But, I will admit, seeing them last Fall with The Velvet Teen, it was the 1st show I actually felt they lived up to others rave live reviews. Although, that was a tour where they played all of their 1st record, Highly Refined Pirates. And even though I couldn't claim to have loved that album previously, that show has me wanting to revisit/reassess that and their 2nd record Menos el Oso.
The trailer and song "Lonely Gun" stream shared above (and a streaming link in the track list), are not wow-ing me or anything, but have a moment or 2. I guess they do sound more like Omni though, which concerns me. I do like the saxophone at least.
I suppose if this record ends up like Omni or worse, I probably won't have much optimism for their albums again. I suppose just reading reviews might help. But then again, maybe they'll change my mind about their new music live, like they did with their 1st album last fall.
We'll see.
http://minusthebear.com
http://dangerbirdrecords.com
Labels:
Minus the Bear
,
Planet of Ice
,
Russian Circles
,
The Velvet Teen
Monday, April 19, 2010
Minus the Bear - Omni (2010)
4/19/10 12:27AM
the whole album will be available sometime within the 23 hours-en-change (in all likelihood sometime in the afternoon on the 19th) at the link below.
on demand albums on kcrw link
3/4/10 1:31AM
another new song My Time can be streamed here
honestly, it's not bad, but a lot of the comments on the boards are creaming over it more than I would expect. Wait and See still for me. It's only 1 song, albeit the opening track. But still, just 1 song.
3/3/10 1:31AM
itunes pre-order

1. My Time
2. Summer Angel
3. Secret Country
4. Hold Me Down
5. Excuses
6. The Thief
7. Into the Mirror
8. Animal Backwards
9. Dayglow Vista Road
10. Fooled By the Night
11. Broken China [Pre-order Only]
2/22/10 7:35PM

myspace blog
Monday, February 22, 2010
“OMNI” — New album out May 4th on Dangerbird!
..Seattle-based quintet Minus the Bear are very excited to announce the release of their new album, OMNI, set for a May 4th release on Dangerbird Records. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, My Morning Jacket), OMNI showcases the quintet’s remarkable gift to craft visionary and gripping compositions, and with the assistance of Chiccarelli, revealing new layers in their songwriting as they pursue the next level in their inimitable musical style. With the exploration of erotic themes and fascinating tales of human sexual relationships, OMNI is a riveting new album of rich soundscapes illustrated by Minus The Bear’s trademark precision and tremendous growth as artistic lyricists and songwriters. Beginning April 21st, Minus the Bear will embark on a 6-week North American tour premiering these new tracks. Dates to be announced shortly. OMNI marks the first release for the band on Dangerbird.
With deep bass lines, mesmerizing syncopated guitar riffs, provocative lyrics and stimulating keyboards, OMNI explodes with a bursting energy and unpredictable experimentation. From lead-off single, MY TIME, which explores the band’s widescreen synth rock, to the punch of dueling guitars and keyboards on THE THIEF, from the intense psychedelicia of ANIMAL BACKWARDS to the driving rock of HOLD ME DOWN, OMNI continues Minus The Bear’s shape-shifting evolution and is a culmination of their past influences and present inspirations.
Over the years, Minus the Bear has won over legions of fans and critics with an exhilarating live show and a sound that is uniquely their own. With a devoted fan base, Minus the Bear sell out 2000-capacity venues nationwide whether on or off album cycle, have generated more than 13 million plays on MySpace, and continuously release new material (EPs and singles) to fan and critical acclaim.
Tour dates, track listing and more news to be announced shortly.
"Omni" the word/title is verry MtB-sounding. The description sounds as good as that single they released last fall. To say I'm excited for this would be pretty accurate. May 4th it drops..we got how many records that day/week/month? Calendar
The New Porno's and Broken Social Scene that same day. And you have Foals Dead Letter Circus, The Chap, PRR and Cynic (EP) already. Plus a lot of those "Spring" titles/artists could be in May. May 4th could turn out to be a MONSTER day for new releases.
Anyway, this album quite likely will resemble the single "Into the Mirror" they released last fall. If it does, this could be an awfully addictive record.
the whole album will be available sometime within the 23 hours-en-change (in all likelihood sometime in the afternoon on the 19th) at the link below.
on demand albums on kcrw link
3/4/10 1:31AM
another new song My Time can be streamed here
honestly, it's not bad, but a lot of the comments on the boards are creaming over it more than I would expect. Wait and See still for me. It's only 1 song, albeit the opening track. But still, just 1 song.
3/3/10 1:31AM
itunes pre-order
1. My Time
2. Summer Angel
3. Secret Country
4. Hold Me Down
5. Excuses
6. The Thief
7. Into the Mirror
8. Animal Backwards
9. Dayglow Vista Road
10. Fooled By the Night
11. Broken China [Pre-order Only]
2/22/10 7:35PM
myspace blog
Monday, February 22, 2010
“OMNI” — New album out May 4th on Dangerbird!
..Seattle-based quintet Minus the Bear are very excited to announce the release of their new album, OMNI, set for a May 4th release on Dangerbird Records. Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, My Morning Jacket), OMNI showcases the quintet’s remarkable gift to craft visionary and gripping compositions, and with the assistance of Chiccarelli, revealing new layers in their songwriting as they pursue the next level in their inimitable musical style. With the exploration of erotic themes and fascinating tales of human sexual relationships, OMNI is a riveting new album of rich soundscapes illustrated by Minus The Bear’s trademark precision and tremendous growth as artistic lyricists and songwriters. Beginning April 21st, Minus the Bear will embark on a 6-week North American tour premiering these new tracks. Dates to be announced shortly. OMNI marks the first release for the band on Dangerbird.
With deep bass lines, mesmerizing syncopated guitar riffs, provocative lyrics and stimulating keyboards, OMNI explodes with a bursting energy and unpredictable experimentation. From lead-off single, MY TIME, which explores the band’s widescreen synth rock, to the punch of dueling guitars and keyboards on THE THIEF, from the intense psychedelicia of ANIMAL BACKWARDS to the driving rock of HOLD ME DOWN, OMNI continues Minus The Bear’s shape-shifting evolution and is a culmination of their past influences and present inspirations.
Over the years, Minus the Bear has won over legions of fans and critics with an exhilarating live show and a sound that is uniquely their own. With a devoted fan base, Minus the Bear sell out 2000-capacity venues nationwide whether on or off album cycle, have generated more than 13 million plays on MySpace, and continuously release new material (EPs and singles) to fan and critical acclaim.
Tour dates, track listing and more news to be announced shortly.
"Omni" the word/title is verry MtB-sounding. The description sounds as good as that single they released last fall. To say I'm excited for this would be pretty accurate. May 4th it drops..we got how many records that day/week/month? Calendar
The New Porno's and Broken Social Scene that same day. And you have Foals Dead Letter Circus, The Chap, PRR and Cynic (EP) already. Plus a lot of those "Spring" titles/artists could be in May. May 4th could turn out to be a MONSTER day for new releases.
Anyway, this album quite likely will resemble the single "Into the Mirror" they released last fall. If it does, this could be an awfully addictive record.
Labels:
Into the Mirror
,
May 4th 2010 Releases
,
Minus the Bear
,
Omni
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Notes: Menomena, Minus the Bear, Dead Letter Circus and more
"Happy 10th anniversary to us old farts! The 4th Menomena Album will be mastered by Jeff Stuart Saltzman this upcoming Monday. Phew!" 1:41 PM Feb 12th from web
so mixing/mastering is happening this bloody week! Gawd I'm getting a bit worried as I keep getting more excited for this new record of theirs. I'm not sure if it being 1 of the biggest releases for 2010 for me is an indication of the lack of biggies at the top, or just how far I've come as a fan of these guys.
Also "4th?" apparently they consider "Under an Hour" 1 of their studio records. I require a hardcopy very soon, damnit.
Menomena for the mother-fucking-win! Info about it hopefully will be soon, and hopefully label delays won't factor in. Maybe it'll be on/available-through the same label/process as Ramona Falls was last year.
And I really hope they can have some of the momentum that Local Natives is enjoying right now.
myspace blog post
Minus the Bear announced today they have signed with Dangerbird Records the same label of this new sideproject fromThe Fratellis, who is a band I think was featured on Sound Opinions a few years ago.
what this means is, the projected "Spring" release date for the finished album is going to happen. Hopefully those all desired details will follow rather soon. Title, track-list, single, artwork, release date, etc.
Dead Letter Circus also just posted a blog about saying how their debut lp is finished recording, mixing, mastering. But no details specifically.
To-be-added-to when they are.
-I just was suggested this band called Gospel and their seemingly classic debut/lone full-length album "The Moon is a Dead World" from 2005.
lol, p4k reviewed it and even gave it a 7.8. There ya go, another example. The curse of P4K. Local Natives needs to break that. But as far as this album/band. The Refused and Propogandhi I'm sort of exploring in experimental or progressive punk/hardcore music. Exotic Animal Petting Zoo I kind of did a few years ago, but kind of only half succeeded as the in-your-face vocals like Dillinger Escape Plan ended killing my love and addiction for that band/album like I hoped it would be a BTBAM or Protes the Hero.
However, this band Gospel might feature synths moreso in a progrock way, and the jury is out if their hardcore screamo vocals will fuck up their music like EAPZ and DEP does. The Refused I'm also on the fence on, but I won't deny their talent and some of their sections make me want to revisit them again.
Cloud Cult I finally am diving into their older work. "Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus" is the one I'm working on now. I can already say I may enjoy it more than "Feel Good Ghosts" (2008). I hear stuff like early-dredg and Neil Young among others. Although I think their singer needs to work with Karen O. Their vocal tone and styles remind me a lot of eachother. Although way back in the mid 90's I said the same about Fish and Geoff Tate. Now that sounds rather silly.
-I have a potentially fun idea for a playlist babblefest by using my last.fm's "radio station" of my library and picking the 1st 5-10 tracks depending on if those bands/tracks make sense. Hopefully I'll have the time to try that soon, like this weekend or earlier.
-Minneapolis-based Jazz-Fusion/Experimental etc band Samosa I will be buying their cd soon. But unfortunately it's at the 11th hour as they have their final concert (at least in their current incarnation) in a few weeks since 1 of the members, Neil, is moving to Georgia.
I suppose I at least found out and am not coming on board past the fact, which has happened many times for me. But it still sucks. Hopefully Neil and the other members will do other things. I recall seeing they do. But I'm not sure they're as fusiony or even jazz like Samosa.
Labels:
Babblefest
,
Cloud Cult
,
Dead Letter Circus
,
Gospel
,
Menomena
,
Minus the Bear
,
Samosa
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