Planet of Ice,
Minus The Bear
When I first heard ‘Get Me Naked 2: The Electric Boogaloo’ off of Minus the Bear’s debut album ‘Highly Refined Pirates’ I was instantly converted. I mean, here was a band that appeared to be writing themselves a new genre, or at least “sub genre” of music when every other band around them seemed to be merging gradually into the foundations that started the whole emo/screamo/if-only-Finch-could-see-what-their-music-would-become scene. It’s hard to believe, but this was way back in 2002. Five years on, and after conquering the musical mountain more commonly known in journalistic circles as ‘the difficult second album’ with ‘Menos el Oso’ MTB have now brought to us their third studio album ‘Planet of ice.’
The album opens with ‘Burying Luck’ and twenty seconds in, in true MTB fashion, I think the CD’s started skipping only to feel relieved moments later when the familiar sound of Jake Snider’s vocals kick start proceedings. There’s something about Snider’s lethargic vocals combined with the persistent urgency of the off-kilter guitar loops within this opening track that works together ridiculously well. It’s this laid back energy that won the critics over and worked so effectively on ‘Menos el Oso’ but have we seen enough of a progression moving onto ‘Planet of Ice?’
Both ‘Knight’s’ and ‘Dr L’Ling’ are fantastic efforts that capture that classic MTB sound. Unfortunately though, sandwiched either side are two slower efforts: ‘Ice Monster’ and ‘White Mystery’ quickly see me skipping onto the next track. It appears as if there’s been a conscious effort within the MTB camp to write a more textured album this time around. Hell, it’s definitely their most accessible release to date. But as a self appointed veteran of all things MTB there’s something almost disappointing about the accessibility of the album. I’m no longer being made to guess where the direction of the songs are going, or when the guitar loop’s next going to kick in.
However, there are some stupidly catchy songs on this record. ‘Throwin’ Shapes’ is another song that fits comfortably into the “I dare you not to at least tap your foot” category, whilst the bizarre song structures of ‘Double Vision Quest’ and finisher ‘Lotus’ are a fond reminder of what MTB can achieve.
In terms of progression this album is sufficiently different from ‘Menos…’ it’s generally easier on the ears and there’s enough new ideas amongst the more accessible tracks to keep both new and old fans happy alike. This is a very, very well written record it’s just in my own selfish way I was looking for the next hit of MTB unpredictability whereas they opted, understandably, to write a record that not only developed on their previous sound but would also allow themselves to build on their ever-growing fan base. Five years on from ‘Highly Refined Pirates’ and MTB are still doing things their way. There’s a lesson here kids: By all means be in a hardcore band. Hey, you might even make a short lived career out of it, but at the end of the day originality in music is everything. MTB are stronger now than ever whilst I could name a hundred generic bands that have come, gone and been forgotten within their lifetime. Shall I start alphabetically? Ok here goes…..
Rich
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