Customer Reviews

They Make Beer Commercials Like This

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although Minus the Bear's uniformly goofy song titles and album names make the Seattle quartet seem at first like the spiritual descendents of local scene godfathers the Young Fresh Fellows - besides the sarcastic album title, the best titles this time out have to be "Hey, Is That a Ninja Up There?" and "I'm Totally Not Down With Rob's Alien" - the funniest thing about them is how straightforward and (relatively) serious their music is. Boasting a slightly rougher sound than the Steve Fisk-produced Highly Refined Pirates, They Make Beer Commercials Like This is nevertheless at least as complex as their previous releases, but with more of an emphasis this time on constantly shifting, tricky rhythms and a more prominent and melodic presence for bassist Cory Murchy to counterpoint David Knudson's typically fluid guitar showcases. This is especially notable on the opening "Fine + 2 Points," which has even more of the chilly but danceable sound of early-'80s post-punk outfits like A Certain Ratio and Crispy Ambulance than the far more celebrated Franz Ferdinand do.

Wow, "I'm Totally Not Down With Rob's Alien" is an awesome, complex tune that I'm afraid has imbedded itself firmly inside my head. Really, the only beef I have with Minus the Bear is that the lead singer's voice creeps into that emo-pop vocal sound that sometimes gives me a bit of a headache.

Otherwise, the guitars and drums work together in this perfect cacophany of musical bliss. This is music that demands to be listened to thoughtfully. At the same time, it's a treat for the ears. I think my I.Q. actually went up a couple points.

They have one of the freshest, most original sounds in music. It sounds like

experimental indie dance pop, and it sounds just as great. The tap guitar technique is incredible, some of the best guitar playing in indie today. I highly recommend each of these six tracks.

If you like/dislike, let me know

So, I bought the EP the week it came out. I would've bought it the day of, but I live in Idaho and have to deal with that. Anyways, most of the CD sounds like my faves from "Highly Refined Pirates." I don't think its so much a new direction they're taking, but honing their craft. This EP takes the best of "Highly Refined Pirates" and builds on it. All the tunes are super-catchy and grow on you the more you listen to it. It won't hit at first, but put all the songs on your playlist and it will catch up to you.

i bought expecting less than highly refined pirates which is a classic in my collection. first listen was ok! i could recognize their style. then it just grew on me until i could nt breath anymore they are just amazing i cant beleieve we are only 3 people at that point who realized how good is that cd. you have to at least listen to it, any song. yu can say that yu hate them but yu cannot say yu dont know them.

Minus The Bear do not disappoint. This is another example of their unique sound worked to perfection. Check it out if you haven't already.

ALl i Have to say is this one makes me crazy for the next LP. They really out did it. I am amazing by bass, drums, guitar, vocals, synths.

You made my boyfriend's birthday awesome. I appreciate so much the extra posters - we both have one in each of our rooms now! Best wishes. Thank you so much.

-Jessica

I own all of their stuff, but this little six track EP might be my favorite. Man, it's really hard to say. I love it all for different reasons.

Bottom line: if you like this band (even a little bit) and don't have this ... buy it today.

Great ambient hard rock sound!

The guitar, which is played with a delicate picking style through an echo box adds a whole new dimension - particularly on "Dog Park (#3)", and "I'm Totally Not Down with Rob's Alien (#4)" - both excellent tracks with somewhat unfortunate titles. The group also uses harmonies and effective production to create a wall of sound that permeates the record from beginning to end.

Overall, a strong record with no filler tracks - which is good considering it's short length. Good for a quick chill-out.