Minus the Bear – Planet of Ice
Record Label: Suicide Squeeze Records
Release Date: August 21, 2007
Through the depths of album releases, sitting neatly at the end of summer vacation, Suicide Squeeze Records released Minus the Bear’s third full release, Planet of Ice. This chilling array of tracks froze solid in August as gold among many other precious gems. Minus the Bear, an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, opened my eyes to their sound two summers ago with their sophomore release Menos el Oso. During the last two years, Menos el Oso grew to my top ten list of favorite albums ever and arguably the best album to listen to at night while driving. So as I begin this review for Planet of Ice, one can believe the anticipation that built from their last release to this release in August.
“Buying Luck.” With a fanfare-like keyboard intro, Jake Snider opens with his signature wispy vocal power blaring the phrase, “What have you done?” with such veracity that the time continuum seems to stop. Opening up our ears for close to five minutes of audio luminosity, "Ice Monster" sets the slower pace. With lyrical quips like, “I could give fuck all what you do to me,” this song adds to Snider’s anger for a certain unknown female. Ending the song at just over four minutes, the instrumentation begins breaking up, pushing right into their first single from Planet of Ice, “Knights.” During recent MTV exposure, the majestic “Knights” showcases classic Minus the Bear sound.
The median song, “Dr. L’ling,” I had sampled months prior to the album dropping, and it had me stumped (Patrick Stumped?). I asked myself a question with this track: “How could the band that released “Pachuca Sunrise” change their sound so much and still manage to pull it off?” Well, because they are Minus the Fucking Bear.
Fast forward to my favorite song, “When We Escape.” Starting off quietly, the ambiance is set for a sensual mood. With lyrics such as, “…your dress is begging to come off…” the more intimate lyrics show a different side of Minus the Bear that clearly is the apex of the album.
The ten songs on Planet of Ice give me a shiver listening to the arctic sounds of the Seattle based band. It made me feel great when I opened the September 20, 2007 issue of Rolling Stone and noticed that Planet of Ice was six on the countdown for the Record Exchange in Boise, ID (not meaning much but enough to get some exposure sitting right next to Rhapsody’s Top Ten Tracks’ Rhianna’s “Umbrella”) With such a respect for every song on the album and for every song in their discography, Minus the Bear’s latest album Planet of Ice congeals the competition for best summer releases.
Incredible album, alright review. I like how you put in your personal backstory but you didn't explain the album as much, only a few of the songs. This is definitely in my top 10 this year. I was disappointed at first but I've already come around to loving it. Dr. L'ling is my favorite.
This is an incredible album. This band challenges itself and i love it. They will never remake the same album over and over. This is by far one of the best releases of the year. It will probably fall in the top 3 by the time the year is up.
Incredible album, alright review. I like how you put in your personal backstory but you didn't explain the album as much, only a few of the songs. This is definitely in my top 10 this year. I was disappointed at first but I've already come around to loving it. Dr. L'ling is my favorite.
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