Minus The Bear - Planet of Ice

Suicide Squeeze, 2007
Verdict: B

Minus the Bear's last release, Menos El Oso, saw the band evolving from its sophomoric past with an album of moody, atmospheric brilliance.  Planet of Ice continues that evolution and while it doesn't break any new ground, it does show that these guys are definitely taking their music a lot more seriously these days - almost too much so at times. 

Considering the talent level in play, who can blame them for trying to escape a reputation for goofy song titles ("Hey Wanna Throw Up? Get Me Naked") that overshadowed the thoroughly unique arrangements and intricate riffs of their early work, but the generally somber town of Menos is taken even further this time out, and it sometimes sounds like Minus The Bear is sacrificing fun for artistic street cred.  It's too bad in a way, since the real fans knew better all along. But small quibbles aside, Planet of Ice is clearly the work of a band hitting its stride.

"Knights" and "Throwing Shapes" recall the surf-ready angular rock of Menos El Oso with eerie, echoing guitars and studdery beats that propel the tracks along a less-traveled alt rock road, while "Part 2" features almost sinister effects and a subdued acoustic strum that would recall Pink Floyd had it not ended about 3 minutes too early.

The rest of Planet of Ice continues on the same mid-tempo road with the math rock licks, electronic ticks alternating bouts of peaceful strums and heavy riffs.  It's a great 3am record, and had Minus the Bear not already released the slightly superior Menos El Oso, we might have called it another stunner.  But next time we wouldn't mind seeing another "Monkey! Knife! Fight!" thrown in the mix.  Remember guys, this shit is still supposed to be fun, critical love or not.

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