The Seattle-based math rock quintet Minus the Bear is stopping by the Majestic Theatre this Saturday on their headlining tour with Rah Rah and Eighteen Individual Eyes in what will be a groove-infused night of rock and electronic tunes.
Minus the Bear consists of Jake Snider (vocals, guitar), David Knudson (guitar), Cory Murchy (bass), Alex Rose (synths, vocals) and Erin Tate (drums). Murchy said the band started off as a group of friends before they began playing together 12 years ago.
“This is our third time in Madison,” Murchy said in an interview with The Badger Herald. “We were supposed to play a while back on Halloween, but the show got cancelled.”
With the recent release of their fifth full-length studio albumInfinity Overhead (2012) Minus the Bear has built a large repertoire of songs. Since releasing their debut albumThis is What I Know About Being Gigantic (2001), MTB has made a name in the music scene and continues to mature and evolve with every album.
“We just try to push forward when writing,” Murchy said. “We each have our own way of being inspired and it really takes all forms when we’re making music.”
Minus The Bear’s fusion of rocking technical guitars, electronic synths and driving drums makes for a sound that stands out from other bands in today’s rock scene. The oddly-titled song “Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse” is filled with catchy guitar riffs and punchy drums like most of MTB’s upbeat tunes. “We Are Not A Football Team” is one of their ballads, showing how they can soften down their music as well.
Their unique sound is a result of an array of different influences the band incorporates. Some members like more jazzy stuff, while others like harder rock stuff, Murchy explained.
“We all influence from different stuff, ” said Murchy “I like to listen to punky stuff like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and The Cure, but everyone in the band has their own taste in music … it’s nice because it brings a lot of different elements.”
After Saturday’s show, they will continue touring throughout 2013. They will be co-headlining with Circa Survive on “The Waves Overhead Tour” and will be touring the U.K. in April. For those rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts looking for an energetic display of premium musicianship, go on down and see Minus the Bear at the Majestic this Saturday.
Minus the Bear will perform this Saturday at Majestic Theatre, doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the show.
