Minus The Bear

Minus The Bear is a Seattle based indie super group whose members hail from such bands as Botch and Sharks Keep Moving. Their sound has evolved dramatically over the years, but the most notable change occurs between "They Make Beer Commercials Like This" and "Menos El Oso". The band started out as an almost post-hardcore band, incorporating math rock elements and synth-heavy instrumental moments. This style reached its peak in "Highly Refined Pirates", followed by a more energetic EP called "They Make Beer Commercials Like This". "Menos El Oso" was an interesting album because Dave Knudson started to incorporate more guitar effects in to songs and the bands overall style became more relaxed.

After "Menos El Oso" keyboardist Matt Bayles left the band and Alex Rose, who was MTB's sound engineer, took his place (I believe Bayles had a hand in the production of Planet of Ice but don't quote me). In 2007 the band released their most "mature" album, "Planet of Ice", which is very chilled & groovey as well as very well produced. It is important to note that Knudson's guitar playing has now shifted from primarily tapping to relying heavily on pedal work. This album reminds me of Sharks Keep Moving just because it seems to be more of a studio album than their previous releases. I've heard this LP be compared to lounge music; I get it but I don't really agree.

After Planet of Ice they released an acoustic album containing one original track and six acoustic versions of older songs. They recently released an Ep that is some sort of sampler/teaser for their upcoming full length. Although the bands music may change, Jake Snyder still only sings about either girls or getting fucked up, although Europe comes up every once in a while.

I have their discography below EXCEPT FOR the tracks "Houston We Have Uh-Oh" & "Cat Calls and Ill Means" and the split with City on Film. When I get them I will post them. Here is an older video of them playing "Lemurs man, Lemurs".

Enjoy

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Acoustics


Bands Like It When You Yell "Yar" At Them

Daytrotter Session


Highly Refined Pirates


Interpretaciones Del Oso (Remix of Menos El Oso)


Into The Mirror


Menos El Oso

Planet of Ice & Planet of Ice Bonus CD


They Make Beer Commercials Like This


This Is What I Know About Being Gigantic

Sharks Keep Moving

Sharks Keep Moving was an indie band in the Seattle Aea in the 90s. Their sound is constantly being compared to Minus The Bear, due in part to the fact that Jake Snider sings in both bands. The best way i can describe their sound is this: Sharks Keep Moving is to Minus The Bear what The One Up Downstairs is to American Football. Sharks had a pretty mellow sound, sometimes getting pretty spacey and jazzy. Their songs vary in length, ranging from two minutes to fourteen minutes. Sharks Keep Moving had one split, one LP, two EPs, and were featured on three compilations. I have had their music for years, but could not find the split or compilation songs, until last night, when my man Cheese hooked it up with some music database. Thank you kind sir. As for the split and compilations, I only have the Sharks songs, sorry guys.

If you just download one album, please make it Desert Strings and Drifters, just so you can hear the song Cashmere, Washington. The chorus haunts my thoughts. I was lucky enough to snag this on vinyl in Cambridge, MA at Newburry Comics, and let me tell you, it sounds amazing.

The members of Sharks Keep Moving went on to play in such bands as Minus The Bear, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Kill Sadie, Onalaska, The Blood Brothers, and Jaguar Love.

Heres the Video for the song "Logger", its just a slideshow with the music behind it, but its the best song that is on youtube, seeing as SKM dosn't have any live videos. The only downside of being a band before like 2002.


Buck buck, tour was fun.


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Pause and Clause



Sharks Keep Moving


Desert Strings and Drifters


Compilations and a Split