Minus the Bear Are Hotter Than Ever

“Everyone was ready to unleash the rock,” enthuses Minus the Bear bassist Cory Murchy. “Before, when we started to groove, we’d cut it down; but this time we let everything breathe.” Like the re-envisioning of electronica on previous effort Menos El Oso, Minus the Bear have evolved the sound of ’70s prog-rock to create Planet of Ice, the band’s third full-length and by far their most ambitious. Murchy was with the band—known for their staggering tour schedule—in Boston, describing the inception of the new album.

“We were in Manchester on tour and these guys took us to their flat, and we watched Audition while listening to Close to the Edge.” Fascinated by the Japanese horror/torture film and Yes’ progressive masterpiece, Murchy considers that night “one of the most terrifying and surreal experiences,” while conceding the lasting impression it left with the band.

“We all knew that stuff growing up, but then we got into punk rock, so it’s been nice to find that music again.” Planet of Ice is a faithful, but also fresh take on the style, replete with the band’s signature sound: guitar-tapping virtuosity, precision drumming and singer Jake Snider’s storytelling mixed with the bombast of King Crimson and Pink Floyd. Another important element has been the inclusion of new keyboard player Alex Rose, whose synth arrangements have made the Bear’s sound even more cohesive. “I think it’s the most complete product we’ve put out,” Murchy says. “We never really wanted to limit ourselves, and this was the first time all five of us were present to write the entire record. It was rad to go into the studio without any surprises.”

Although Planet of Ice is their most challenging, least radio-friendly outing, that hasn’t stopped the former underground band from receiving backlash from those who criticize their newfound popularity. Bemoans Murchy: “There are those kids out there who want you to release records just for them and their 12 friends, and the second a thirteenth kid comes to your show, you’re all of a sudden a sellout. But we just try to ignore it.” Luckily, with MTB continuing to fill venues and recently appearing on MTV, there are obviously plenty of other fans who appreciate their achievements.

Minus the Bear plan on covering the globe many times over before they get a chance to enter the studio again, but does that mean they’re going to be happy with people hearing Planet of Ice for an extended period of time? “I think it sounds great,” admits Murchy. “It’s not sterile; there’s some funk growing on the sides. It’s called Planet of Ice, but it’s the warmest sounding record we’ve done.”

This entry was posted by RNYK on Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 at 3:29 pm