When mentioning the term "prog rock," one immediately conjures up images of classical music melded with rock, lengthy solos, ambitious concept albums, and elaborate stage shows. Neo-prog rock artists such as Marillion have scaled down the more pretentious aspects of the form, incorporating other genres and singing more personal lyrics. Thus when I first heard of the neo-prog rock group Minus the Bear, I admittedly resorted to my preconceived ideas of the music, particularly art rock groups like Yes or Supertramp. Instead, Minus the Bear's latest album, Omni, pleasantly surprised me with its pop sensibility and thoroughly modern elements.
The very first track, "My Time," immediately grabs attention with its synthesizer-
driven hook. Make no mistake, however--instead of sounding too steeped in 1980s keyboards, the bass-driven beat and the relentlessly catchy chorus ("I've got your nights/I've got your days") keep the song grounded in the present day. "Excuses," a mid-tempo cut, continues the art of the "hook," propelled by Alex's Rose's swirling keyboards and guitarist/lead singer Jake Snider's gliding vocals. Bassist Cory Murchy also shines, with the rapid bass lines adding some soul to the proceedings. Drummer Erin Tate and guitarist Dave Knudson work closely on "Secret Country," the hardest-rocking song on the album. The guitar and bass provide a darker sonic wave, which effectively features Snider's straightforward yet powerful voice.
Cuts such as "Animal Backwards" utilize elements of dance music and even Kraftwerk to form their unique brand of rock. "Dayglow Vista Rd." may more closely resemble progressive rock a la 1970s-era Genesis, but the chorus's throbbing guitars still makes the track pleasing to the ear. While steeped in rock, "The Thief" contains a hint of funk and even some 1980s-era electronic drums during a break. Minus the Bear clearly enjoys inserting sounds from various eras into their music, particularly when the listener least expects it. Interesting instruments also abound, such as the vintage Omnichord synthesizer used on tracks such as "Into the Mirror" and the aforementioned "My Time."
Article comments
1 - Charlie Doherty
Nice review, except for all references to this band being a "prog" rock band. It's not your fault if you heard or read them being described as that from somewhere, but if you know what the term means, you know they aren't in the same category as Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, or these days, the Mars Volta and Dream Theater.
Minus The Bear is a post-rock and experimental rock band (which is where I think people mistaken that for "prog" rock), even "math rock." I know because I've been listening to them and seeing them live since 2002, as they are one of my favorite bands of the last 10 years.
2 - Kit O'Toole
Charlie, thanks for commenting! I'm glad to finally hear this band; I had never heard of them before, and as you saw, I really liked their CD.
Believe it or not, they (and their PR rep) actually define themselves as "prog rock," which is the main reason why I used that term.