I saw Foals for the 3rd or 4th time last night, headlining at First Ave's Mainroom.
Set List below of course.
This concert will be remembered by me for a few different things. Probably first and foremost from my commute down to First Ave. I'm driving West on I-94 and it's raining out. Not heavily, but consistently coming down like it did all of yesterday.
I get to around the area of Huron Blvd and suddenly a somewhat sizable Yellow SPIDER drops off the Ceiling right in front of me on the driver's side.
I was beyond startled, but I immediately slowed down and blew at it as I had no interest in touching it with my bare hands.
The Spider I may have killed or it may have wandered off. I saw it in the little hole on the inside of the Driver's side door near the door handle and power window control.
I hope it's gone, but the experience and idea of what was avoided thankfully never left my mind the whole night, feeling like I dodged a bullet in some ways.
The show though it self was another epic, energetic fiesta of a kind that only Foals does so well. Yannis back when I saw them last at First Ave (2013), at least once walked throughout the mainroom's floor and upstairs to the 2nd level where I sat.
Well he didn't quite do that, but multiple crowd surfing moments of ecstasy, and the climax was him climbing to the 2nd level bars in front of the left side of the stage and basically doing a TRUST FALL into the crowd.
Very much in the vein of Paul Meany from Mutemath or even Darroh from Fair to Midland, almost going for the daredevil antics to great success.
The set list was great as they did a lot of the Everything Saved Will Not Be Lost Part 1 music. Syrups probably being my favorite, although I kind of feel as incredible as the ending of that track is, I could see at least live having them extending the build more and more live to go on for at least a couple more minutes. Even if Yannis just sings "Na Na Na" or "La La La" without any lyrics.
Spanish Sahara is always a showstopper, Black Gold as well of course. The What Went Down tunes I had yet to see were as if not more heavy live. Yannis pulled off some immense screams on them.
And then anything from Antidotes I'm thrilled with. Two Steps Twice is their classic show closer (when Yannis did the Trust Fall). The energy, groove, intensity, etc never fails to grab me.
While I don't know if I think this show was better than the 1 in 2013, they very much seem to taking the baton from Mutemath to be a consistent great live band who are almost a can't miss.
Now we can just anticipate Everything Saved Will Not Be Lost Part 2 coming in September and hopefully no more spiders creeping me out in my car while I'm driving to Foals concerts.
also the 2 openers, Omni and Preoccupations has some moments. Preooccupations used to be known as Viet Kong, sound familiar and I mean to check out now. Their sound, especially the style their singer has stood out in some ways. The last song or 2 they did I was getting into as it was kind of epic. The synths almost reminded me of Wolf Parade and even some of the Cale Parks Indietronica stuff I've been vibing on lately.
On the Luna
Mountain at My Gates
Snake Oil
Olympic Airways
My Number
Black Gold
Spanish Sahara
Syrups
Providence
Sunday
Red Socks Pugie
Exits
In Degrees
White Onions
Inhaler
Encore:
What Went Down
Two Steps, Twice
Showing posts with label Omni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omni. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 1, 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
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.
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