Minus the Bear: ‘Planet of Ice’
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Minus the Bear Planet of Ice Rating: 4/5 Tracks to download: “Ice Monster,” “Dr. L’Ling,” Throw in Shapes,” “When We Escape” |
With duel guitars blaring behind him, Jake Snider, the lead vocalist of Minus the Bear, sings “You must be an illusion/ I can see right through you,” with so much passion that you can immediately feel the complex emotions he is trying to express.
Complemented by a memorable melody, “When We Escape” is one of the strongest tracks on Minus the Bear’s new album, “Planet of Ice.”
Not every track is as strong, but the combination of talented musicianship and powerful vocals produces a memorable album from this young band from Seattle.
The heart of Minus the Bear is the interplay between guitarist David Knudson and vocalist/guitarist Jake Snider. Every song on the album is complemented by their musicianship, which is able to elevate some of the more mundane tracks into compelling songs. One example of this is, “Dr. L’Ling.” The guitars of Mr. Knudson and Mr. Snider transform the song into a rocking forum that displays both of their musical abilities.
Minus the Bear’s weakness is their songwriting. Some of their songs, such as “Ice Monster,” are wonderfully written tracks that are melodic and highlight the musicianship of the band. Others, such as “Part 2,” and “Double Vision Quest” tend to blend together and aren’t saved by the talents of Mr. Snider nor Mr. Knudson. This makes the album feel scattered at times. This is offset by stronger pieces such as “Throwin Shapes,” a memorable song about losing a love.
Minus the Bear’s new album is strong, if somewhat inconsistent. “Planet of Ice” highlights the band’s strong musical ability. Even though some of the songs are weak, the stronger ones make the album an enjoyable and compelling listen.
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