Review Summary: Menos dazzles.
Menos el Oso meaning Minus the Bear in Spanish, is the second album by the five member band from Seattle. The record features a “night on the beach” feel and a theme of water that has appeared on all their albums. Consequently the album offers great play- back value due to flawless song structure and improved musician ship by all band members.
Chief song writer, Dave Knudson masters the guitar and comes into his own on this record. Knudson displays his variety of talents on this album after relying heavily on tapping in the band’s previous effort: Highly Refined Pirates. The two finger tap technique is well apparent so fans of Pirates and the EP, not need fret. Knudson only occasionally deviates away from the math rock style that the band had been known for. But unlike their past releases, solos and complex yet rich rhythms have allowed for their most complete record. With this sophomore album he has distinguished himself as a brilliant guitarist in a band that is emerging as a leader in rock music.
Knudson’s guitar mastery ties perfectly with singer and rhythm guitar player, Jake Snide. His lyrics on Drilling, and The Fix are rich and fun contrasted well by later tracks on the album. He shows passion on tracks This Aint a Surfin’ movie and Pachuca Sunrise; songs that could almost be called romantic. His writing combines perfectly with Knudson guitar throughout the album. This is most especially evident on Memphis and 53. The second track on the album is and epic pumping ride with Tate’s drums abruptly overtaken by Knudson’s guitar and Snider’s engaging lyrics. Snider tells the tale of a black car in a desert’s night as Knudson’s electric lead tunefully carries the song instrumentally.
Overall this album shows the emergence of band looking to make a name for itself in rock. Minus the bear has successfully created a record that dazzles as just a sophomore album and displays the talents of a band that is just beginning to reach their stride.
