Album Review: Minus the Bear’s “Omni” on Dangerbird Records

OMNI_Album_Cover

Minus the Bear’s fourth studio album, Omni, is a groovy trek into synth-pop that packs a powerful electronic punch with a deadly rhythm section headed by Corey Murchy (bass) and Erin Tate (drums). Frontman/guitarist Jake Snyder lays down his signature mellow croon (with pristine production via Grammy-Award winning producer, Joe Chiccarelli) while Dave Knudson (lead guitarist) explores new dynamics in his normally complex, finger-tapping guitar style mixed with sharp solos that invigorate with innovative energy.

Altering some key factors, Knudson shreds, but with ample restrain and uses a more straightforward guitar approach than in past albums. The opening track, “My Time,” which is also the album’s catchy first single, features heavy amounts of synthesizers by Alex Rose and Knudson while MTB delve into romantic imagery on the next song, “Summer Angel.” Snyder sings, “When we made it to the garden it was well past nine. Our hands came to agreement as we walked in time. A jealous rose stole a thread from her skirted thigh…that rose was so fine in her hair. The shadow in the moonlight, the hot summer night’s right.”

The Throwing Shapes-esque “Hold Me Down” is a melodic rush to the head, while track seven, “Into the Mirror,” traces the dangers of nightlife and prostitution as Snyder’s hypnotizing vocals take center stage, “They’ve got a mirror for the cocaine in the bathroom, cause nobody here knows when to stop. For now we’re just making out with the door unlocked…fixes her lipstick, fixes his belt, the coast is clear as he walks out.”

This track seamlessly transitions into “Animal Backwards,” which is MTB’s most unique and electronic sounding song to date as it basks in swaths of samples, synth, keys and an intro identical  to the previous song’s, but played backwards. With an album that’s ambitious in its scattered cohesiveness, Minus the Bear are proving they can perfect any style of music and make it their own to flourish like the brilliant and artistic musicians that they are.

 

s=”50″ class=”textarea”>