For me, this is a new group... And for a hot minute there, I was running around telling everyone I know about them. Imagine my surprise when I'd play tracks for people and they already knew who the band was. I've obviously been living on another planet without knowing how popular this group already is.
Still, I'm really excited about this group for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I find the lyrics fascinating! The music is a blend of alt rock and electronica that's absolutely harmonious!
I've streamed all of the bands albums and truth be told, this particular disc is my least favorite of the three, but I picked it up first because I had the chance to buy this exact version. My copy is from Australia and includes a bonus disc featuring the band's first EP release, "Golden EP". It also includes some mixes!
There's not a single track on this disc that doesn't have something I love about it. My listening investment varies on individual tracks, but there's parts I love regardless of the number. 'Crime Pays' is a stunning number and the piano is right up front and compelling. I think this is an interesting choice for an opening track. You wouldn't think it would be the right selection to open this album and yet, it oddly works. It demonstrates the band's musical range all in one number. Once you've digested it, you can move on and comfortably explore this groups diversity without feeling like you've been cheated or robbed. All too often I've bought a CD because of a single song I've heard only to discover I hate the rest of the music the group is doing. It's good to know what you're in for right off the bat and that's exactly what 'Crime Pays' does for this record.
The next two songs are great and there are certain lines in the lyrics I find utterly brilliant. In 'Belongings', I love the line, "At the gentle age of 9, I bought my first 45". That single line creates a visual image the rest of the song capitalizes on. 'What A Drag' is dominated by the "long nails" lines. It's an excellent innuendo. So cool.
'High Society' is one of my favorite tracks on this record. I love just about everything about it. From the lyrics, to the music. If I were to include a track from this record in a playlist, 'High Society' would be it. 'Tablasaurus' is another stand out number with excellent music and a fantastic beat. 'Julien' may be my least favorite song on the disc, but it's not bad. However, 'Wickey Boxing' is one of the most interesting and haunting songs I've heard in ages. It's a strange narrative you can read just about anything into. The metaphysical assertion in the chorus is in and of itself, stunning. "if you believe in a miracle escape, I believe we will never pass away". This is one intense track.
'Blood And Treasure' is a fun, pop sensible number. I could see this one doing well in the charts. 'Can't Stick Em' is another track I'm heavily into. The rhythm is on point and the lyrics are fun to sing along with. 'Camel Convention' is an odd number. Reminds me of stuff bands were doing back in the 60's. 'Tall Trees' is another jaunty tune. This has a line I don't like, but overall, I think the song is good.
The Bonus Disc starts off with the "Golden EP". 'Long Lean Queen' is the first number and although the music is adventurous, nothing stands out too much about this song. I like it. And for some reason, when I listen to it I think of Smashing Pumpkins and the Sex Pistols. 'Golden' has a country sound to it. This one reminds me of something Midnight Oil would've done. 'Sickly Brunette' is musically the most complex of the four tracks on this EP while 'Bad Blood' is without doubt my favorite of the four. There's an almost Hawaiian sound coupled with the type of rock I think Sublime would be jealous of.
There are four mixes here. The first is 'Crime Pays' and it's extremely electronica. I have to admit, I like it better than the original. The 'Tablasaurus' mix is also heavily electronic and another quality track. There's a lot of tinkling bell keyboard sounds used in this mix making is sound rather magical. 'Wicksey Boxing' gets a mix with a beat lifted right from Nine Inch Nails' track, 'Closer'. It's a sinister deep groove and it's gripping. I find it powerful and mysterious. 'High Society' appears as the final track with a mix that transforms the song into an 80's pop vehicle. In this particular case, I'll stick with the original. There's nothing wrong with the mix, but the in my opinion, the song can't be improved. It's perfect just how it is.
There's a lot happening on these discs. The lyrics alone are worth dissecting and exploring. The concepts and ideas are fascinating. If you like songs that tell stories than this record is for you. However, be prepared to fill in a lot of the gaps on your own. The vague nature of some of these songs leaves them dramatically open to interpretation. But isn't that what makes them so much fun? You can use your mind to imagine the rest. And that's exactly what a good songwriter wants you to do. Personalize the music and insert it into your own life. Chances are, if you listen to Bear Hands, you'll do that a lot.
My final words: AN EXCELLENT DEBUT WITH A SPECTACULAR BONUS DISC! WORTH THE INVESTMENT!
BEAR HANDS - BURNING BUSH SUPPER CLUB
01. Crime Pays
02. Belongings
03. What A Drag
04. High Society
05. Tablasaurus
06. Julien
07. Wicksey Boxing
08. Blood And Treasure
09. Cant Stick Em
10. Camel Convention
11. Tall Trees
BONUS DISC
01. Long Lean Queen
02. Golden
03. Sickly Brunette
04. Bad Blood
05. Crime Pays (Cereal Spiller Remix)
06. Tablasaurus (Aislyn Remix)
07. Wicksey Boxing (Brahms Remix)
08. High Society (Gordon Voidwell Remix)
