Minus The Bear – OMNI
Minus The Bear does no harm in my book. Typically known for their experimental musical arrangements, but what I think sets them apart is no one does it better than these guys. They have been creating ”their” sound since the mid 90s and it has only gotten better over the years. And get ready folks, on May 4th the Seattle quintet will drop arguably their greatest album to date, OMNI.
Right from the start you’ll notice they experiment with new layers of electro-pop on the opening track, My Time. A track I can’t compare to any of their previous releases, but instantly gratifies as you find yourself excited to see how a crowd will respond to this ”dancey” number. And some may say this album is boldly experimental or “dancey,” but I think that is what they’re going for. They manage to bring new instruments to the table such as Japanese Omnichords, Synthesizers, funky keyboards, and god knows what. I also noticed, Dave Knudsens guitar work being drastically different. Knudsen guitar work has molded Minus the Bear’s sound for the last decade with his two handed tapping style, and I am yet to hear it on OMNI. However, I think in order for Minus the Bear to experiment with a new sound or direction, Knudsen will have to limit his guitar work. But don’t worry folks, Knudsen still manages to shred his insane signature licks.
So now that you know Minus The Bear has once again experimented with a new direction its time to re-introduce the backbone of the group, and frontman, Jake Snider. Why the f*ck isn’t Jake Snider a house hold name? Snider might have the coolest sounding voices in music. Let’s be honest, a lot of the music we listen to is driven by angst or twang, but how often do we listen to bands that have a guy like Snider leading the charge? None. Anyway, my point is the groups experimental sound accompanied by Sniders voice sets them apart from any band out there. Yet, regardless how cool your voice might sound you still have to deliver, and Snider once again doesn’t fall short lyrically on OMNI. Summer Angel sounds like old Minus the Bear as Snider drives the track vocally and instantly reminds us that he will always be able to sing about women better than us. And speaking of women, the group does a first by introducing a female vocalist on ”Into the Mirror” and man, this synthetic, electro-pop song is catchy as all hell.
So there it is in a nut shell. Same great experimental sound, lyrically and vocally strong, a babe singer on one of the tracks, and a little dance swagger added to the mix. So make sure you grab yourself a copy here.
enjoy folks!
Keith
“My Time”
“Summer Angel”
“Into The Mirror”
