Have you ever been to a Minus The Bear concert? No, you say? Well, you just missed your latest chance to catch Seattle's propulsive electro-prog fivesome in action. I've been listening to this band for a while now and seeing them live is just as good, if not better, than listening to their albums. [Text by Mike, photos by elawgrrl.]
This past Wednesday's show drew a surprisingly small crowd, The Ritz Ybor filled to about half-capacity. Minus the Bear's explosive entrance made up for any lack, and they kicked off their set with “Knights” from 2007's Planet of Ice. I'd wondered what sort of set the band would play. Would they jump all over the board? Stick with the three most recent albums? I love old Minus The Bear, but the new album, Omni (2010), just isn't sticking with me. I've tried really hard to enjoy it, but I continue falling back on their older material, never venturing further than Planet Of Ice.
Minus the Bear transitioned into "Thanks For The Killer Game Of Crisco Twister" and during the third song, frontman Jake Snider and guitarist Dave Knudson dropped to their knees to play and continued the musical extravaganza.
Other tunes played:
Into The Mirror
Throwin’ Shapes
Ice Monster
Summer Angel
Drilling
White Mystery
Spritz!! Spritz!!
Absinthe Party
I eventually lost track of what was being played, but overall, had a great time and was satisfied with the song selection. They always do know how to put together a solid setlist.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2011.