So, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, ESPN Fantasy Focus: Football (why yes I do play fantasy football, thank you very much), and Minus the Bear was mentioned as the podcast's official indie band in what became a long term conversation on the show. I had only heard of Minus the Bear in the context of them touring with Young the Giant (they may have still been The Jakes at that point, I'm not entirely sure). So I gave them a listen and I liked them a lot! So here we go with my review of their newest album entitled "Omni."
1. "My Time"- The opening track on the album opens up with a super happy synthesizer melody. In fact, the use of synth throughout the whole song makes it feel almost as though the song could be made into an animated scene. The song is about - without getting too blunt - a romantic rendezvous, which I found interesting combined with the synth. There is a synth solo (how many times have you ever heard that) about two thirds of the way through the song that just makes you smile. A great song and a fun, catchy way to start off the CD.
2. "Summer Angel" - In this song, the narrator is taking a walk through a garden with a girl that he is obviously infatuated with. He describes her beauty in various ways, my favorite being that he clipped a rose that had jealously "stole[n] a thread from her skirted thigh." The guitar and drum work in this song made me think of exactly what the song is about - walking through a garden on a warm, summer night. It's a great song, with lyrics and melodies combining forces to make a tightly knit and well-written song.
3. "Secret Country" - The secret country of the song's name is, from what I can tell, a secret place that is only the narrator's and his lady friend's. He is lost in her, and he feels as though he is straying from reality when he is with her, almost as if a dream: "As I float out to you, I dream of your caress." Once again, instrumentation sets the scene well with an energetic set of melodies that are both intense and dreamlike.
4. "Hold Me Down" - Our narrator feels as though he's flying all around, not in control of where he's going. He says: "I am going to let me take it where it may." However, he also hopes that his romantic interest will hold him down, get him out of the wind, and give him some comfort and stability. This song has chordy and guitary goodness that makes it a simple and enjoyable song (if not groundbreaking in its melodies).
5. "Excuses" - Perhaps my favorite song on the album. I loved the guitar melody at the beginning of the song (and all the way through the song, for that matter), as well as the message of the lyrics. The main theme appears to be that two people have feelings for each other that they can no longer hide: "Running out of excuses when we know what the truth is." It's a beautiful, almost reflective song with a theme that I'm sure many of us can relate to.
6. "The Thief" - One of my least favorite songs on the album. The lyrics are well written about a young man without much financial means who wants to steal a girl (not literally obviously) who is, financially at least, out of his league. It's got it's great music moments (especially in the chorus), but I wasn't a fan of the music in the verses. That's just me, though.
7. "Into the Mirror" - I loved this song. Like "Excuses," the melody at the beginning of the song hooked me immediately with its catchy synth and guitar work. The lyrics are also clever; it is a description of a the nightlife in what is probably a less-than-reputable lounge/bar, and the music mirrors the smokey, dark atmosphere perfectly. MTB gets everything right on this song, which included a refreshing female vocal appearance and an awesome instrumentals-only section. Ranks up there as one of my favorite songs on the album.
8. "Animal Backwards" - This song sounds like a cool music video out of a techno movie, like Tron. I love the synth riffs that make their way through the song. The lyrics are clever, as well, I especially like the line: "She is a wolf looking through my window."
9. "Daylight Vista Rd." - This is another of my favorite songs on the album. I absolutely love the guitar work that runs through the first part of the song. The entire song has an epic feel to it. It really does feel like you're standing on a vista, looking out at the ocean or a majestic valley. A great song to just lay back and absorb.
10. "Fooled by the Night" - A beautiful song to end the album. The vocals are delivered really well, and the melody sets up a blank, atmospheric base that the vocalist builds upon. The song builds in intensity periodically over the course of its 7 and a half minutes. Overall, a semi-quiet, semi-epic, and 100% well done way to finish the album.
I'm so glad I decided to give this album a listen. Almost every song is well constructed and flows really well. The vocals are well-delivered, melodies beautifully executed, and lyrics well-written. A great album to listen to for anyone who is looking for a sold indie rock band.
Here's the link to their myspace if you'd like to give "Omni" a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear
Until next time, enjoy :)
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