Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

I wish I remembered who recommended that I listen to Minus the Bear; I could not thank them enough. After my first listen of their debut album Highly Refined Pirates, the band quickly raised the ranks and landed among my favourite bands. Their sophomore album Menos el Oso had some great tracks but as a whole seemed more like a compilation of leftover tracks from Highly Refined Pirates. On Planet of Ice, the band pulls a Crane Wife and lets their prog rock influences loose, coupled with the material they are known for.

The album opens with some strange noise effects that lead up to an explosion of every instrument, vocals including, starting at once. It’s a kick to the face and a great way to start off the album. Like many of the tracks, “Burying Luck” combines beautiful melodies, an aggressiveness that allows for some light head banging and sing-along choruses. The off-time outro complete with excellent work by new member Alex Rose leads into “Ice Monster” which gradually picks up until the triumphant chorus. Dave Knudson’s signature guitar work shines through on the verses in this song and the hand-clapping breakdown adds to the multitude of ingredients that make this song one of the best on the record. Third track “Knights” is the first single from the album and is complete with a headache inducing video. Although it is one of my least favourite tracks on the album, it’s not a bad song by any means and fits its role as a single quite well. Highlight of the album, “Part 2” includes a stunning guitar intro and is easily the best song on the album and the biggest departure from what the band has done in the past. The final track “Lotus” which clocks in at close to nine minutes in a way defines the entire album as it contains elements of every song on the record. From the striking melodies, the technical and complex musicianship to the new prog rock influences, Lotus has it all. The near silent interlude lasts a bit too long and leaves you eagerly anticipating the David Gilmour-esque guitar solo that immediately follows it. Every member of the band hammers on their instrument to deliver the outro to the song and album that ends just as it began.