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Minus the Bear: Planet of Ice

Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
2007 | Suicide Squeeze

"Math Rock" always makes me think that I shouldn't be listening to it because I'm not really good at math. However, I am wrapping my head around Minus the Bear's 3rd full length album Planet of Ice just fine.

Minus the Bear make laid back indie rock, even more so on this newest release. There is something soothing in the vocals and the way that even while rocking out, which they like to do, the music never feels harsh. Guitars and other instruments present have this muted quality to them. The repetitious nature of many of the songs (a la prog rock) actual plays on many variations and subtleties that may not make themselves present on first listen. Songs like "Dr. L'Ling" are layered, fitting in soft electric keyboards between the twirling guitars. However, if you are not prepared for these building layers, or your attention span stops around the 2 minute 30 mark, then this may not be for you. Other songs like "Double Vision Quest" feel true to the angular, jarring stops and starts found in Math rock bands. The song, in just over four and a half minutes takes the listener on several musical rides; slow starts and sudden fast breakdowns and all being led with the honey vocals of Jake Snider. Think Yes' album Fragile, odd? No, not really, with similar tempo changes and that softening of sound both bands share several similarities from on these albums.

Overall the album meshes well together, even with the angular structures. Although sometimes the songs blend so well that I can't always distinguish between them. But when they hit their good riffs, they really come together. I'd recommend "Knights", "Dr. L'Ling" and "Lotus".

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Yes, The Fucking Champs, and Pedro the Lion.)

Tue Aug 28 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

White Denim - Let’s Talk About It (Live at the Mohawk)

Sun Aug 26 2007 · Posted in Live Sessions

Interview: Adam Franklin of Swervedriver

LR: On your new album Bolts of Melody what was the reasoning behind changing the name from Toshack Highway to Adam Franklin?

Adam: People just kept saying “you know Adam Franklin’s more memorable” and also Toshack was much more stripped down and electronic. I’ve been going out playing shows with a full band recently as Adam Franklin so it made more sense to have the album titled that way.

LR: Well it definitely sounds fuller and, for me, more like some of the Swervedriver material, I’m a huge fan of those records. There are a couple songs like “Shining Somewhere” and “Seize the Day” that sound like they could have ended up on those records.

Adam: Yeah, they both started out as sort of quieter songs. Then we got in the studio and started recording. And once we got a drumbeat on it we thought it’s got to be more driving. The songs ended up going wherever they went really and lead the way. I’m quite used to plugging in a Vox amp and cranking up the volume a bit.

LR: When you were younger what made you want to pick up guitar?

Adam: T. Rex really. A lot of the glam rock stuff in the early 70s in England you know. I mean, that music was really exciting to me. That album cover of Electric Warrior where he stood there with a les Paul by the amplifier, I thought to myself that’s looks pretty cool.

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Tue Aug 21 2007 · Posted in Interviews on littleradio.com

All of MP3.com founder Denis Kvasov aquitted!

When we last spoke about the closure of All of MP3.com the website's former owner was being sued by Russian prosecutors. Yesterday, Denis Kvasov was aquitted from all charges, somthing the IFPI doesn't like. According to Reuters, judge Yekaterina Sharapova stated, "The prosecution did not succeed in presenting persuasive evidence of his involvement in infringing copyright law." The judge also offered some advice to the prosecution, "This is an unusual case, and prosecutors have to be careful in collecting evidence in connection with intellectual rights violations, I want to draw particular attention to the sloppy job done by prosecutors in collecting and analyzing the facts."

Kvasov isn't completely off the hook, according to a recent article from the Moscow Times: "We are extremely disappointed that the court failed to convict Denis Kvasov today and expect the prosecutor to appeal," Jo Oliver, IFPI vice president commented. "MediaServices operates in clear violation of Russia's law and we expect this unfortunate decision will soon be reversed. This ruling in no way affects the illegality of allofmp3.com and similar services that reproduce and make available music without the consent of the artists, composers and record producers that created it."

The IFPI is obviously planning on appealing the decision. Maybe this time they'll sharpen their pencils and reserach skills.

Thu Aug 16 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com

Limewire to open DRM-free download store

I saw this on Coolfer earlier this morning. It's not such a shocker that Lime Wire, where everyone and their Mom goes for free music, is trying to get in the game with a DRM-free download site. I'm more curious to see if any company can really make a profit when our iTunes-iPod culture is so dominate. Here's the official press release, but read below for some immediate details:

"Songs in the LimeWire Store will be sold in the universally compatible MP3 format. Customers will be able to buy songs and albums "a la carte" or as part of monthly subscription plans.

The first partners in the new digital channel are IRIS Distribution and Nettwerk Productions. These companies have signed deals with Lime Wire to provide music from their extensive catalogs."

Tue Aug 14 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com