"Here's the thing: Band either evolve or stagnate. The former usually is termed as "maturing" which in this genre typically means that the band waters down their sound.
Bear vs. Shark has straddled that line quite well, I think. This CD is not the same as "Right Now..." but it's still B vs. S. The songs are a little more structured, the sound is still there and if this album grabs new listeners it's because it's just a great release from a great band. And I'm finding that it's the nuances of this release that are so intriguing. It's rare to have a hard-rock act that has details that are like a good piece of writing. Re-readable with new details emerging each time.
The best part is that the next album can and probably will be a 45-degree turn in some other direction. I would not be surprised by an acoustic album or a rock-opera with a full orchestra and choir.
Do NOT underestimate the importance of a band that has a mind and soul. The result is an organic, breathing entity that relates to the listener and vice versa.
Ian McKaye once alluded to the fact that one of Fugazi's goals is to provide a product that makes both the band AND the audience comfortable. This type of understanding is rare these days, especially in a commercially oriented medium. But I feel that Bear Vs. Shark fits this mold of a group that has some sort of relationship with its listeners.
Go for it and participate."
Good schtuff
Not Your Concern | 11/10/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Instead of saying "recommended for Mars Volta fans" it should have said At the drive-in. I would say that is the closest comparison they could have made. Very good music, but not as diverse sounding as ATDI (considering they could go from salsa to straight screaming in a second)."
It's a shame this band no longer exists...
As the world Burns | Ky | 11/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"because they were AMAZING. This album as well as their first (Right now, you're in the best of hands) are a class all by themselves. Both albums are worth a listen if your tired of mainstream/cookie cutter music."
The end of something big
Scott Schuh | pasdena,MD | 12/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"bear vs shark is one of the only bands in the last five years that hit the spot for me.I bought terrorhawk and was completly in love! I later purchased "right now"and since then I've seen them live twice and met all of the members. This was in my mind the tip of the iceberg for a great group of musicians. THis is for Any lover of just a goddamn great band. So I wont go through a list of comparable bands to try to explain there sound and passion.The proof is in the pudding!As of Dec 21,2005 Bear vs Shark is no longer.Dont passby on these albums!"
This CD amazes me
Joe Schmo | PA | 12/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was browsing around one day and came across a group titled Bear vs Shark, and the name just sounded awesome so I decided to try out this band, noticing they were signed to Equal Vision like Coheed, me being a huge Coheed fan. I listened to the CD for the first time and felt like this was something different but then put it away. I put it back in again a while later to give it another chance and it really started to grow on me. Now I cant stop listening to it, it is just so energetic and fast and I really like the singers voice. This band would seem very amazing live. My favorite song would have to be: "Heard Iron Bug, 'They're Coming To Town'", I just really like the way this guy screams. Overall this is a very different band that everybody should listen to if you are as tired as me of all the crap out there."