Minus the Bear review

If you were out and about Monday night, you may have had plans to go to The Knitting Factory to see Minus the Bear, who were kicking off their national tour, with Hustle and Drone, and locals Red Hands Black Feet, right here in Boise.  Having experienced Minus the Bear on numerous other occasions, I knew that this was not a show to be missed.

Red Hands Black Feet

Opening up the night was, local band, Red Hands Black Feet, who not only surprised me, but also had the crowd convinced, from the first riff, that this was going to be a great set.  From the soft evanescent lullaby that builds up to a storm of grunge, this band takes you through an unwritten roller coaster ride. If you get a chance to see them here in Boise, I wouldn’t miss it.

Hustle and Drone

Next up on stage was Salem,Oregon based band, Hustle and Drone, which has been referenced as a “beat duo”.  With Ryan Neighbors, a former member of Portugal the Man, commanding the keys, they had no problem setting the mood.  This “beat duo” delivered with a strong electronic sound, but softened the trance with their melodic vocals, and lyrics.

After much anticipation, headliner Minus the Bear was on stage.  Just two weeks after their new album, Infinity Overhead was released; they headed out on tour to debut their new work.  Instantly, I was taken over by the always unique sound Dave Knudson produces through with his guitar and as usual, front man, Jake Snider, smoothed out the style with his insatiable lyrics, and cool-tone vocals.  Playing almost their entire new album, while throwing in some of their other greats from Highly Refined Pirates, Menos el Oso, and OMNI, MTB let Boise know just why they are so popular.  Still showing the range of their entire band, and keeping that signature sound, their new album is a testament that the band is definitely maturing, but not losing ground on the indie scene.  I can’t wait to see what is up next for this ever evolving and consistent band.

-Matt Bull