Sonic Space: Bear Hands

By Maya Poddar, The Dartmouth Staff | 4/6/15 7:02am

It’s always interesting to see how a band changes from one release to another. More often than not, someone is of the opinion that the old stuff is better than the new. Recently, I found myself adopting this position in response to the new Walk the Moon album. In all fairness, my vague unease with Walk the Moon’s new effort has more to do with my strange and excessive love for their first album than with the quality of their new work. My attachment makes it hard for me to be objective. On the other hand, I’m incredibly pleased with HOLYCHILD’s new single “Running Behind” probably because I have no strong memories associated with “Mindspeak,” their excellent, electro-pop 2014 EP.

My issues with the new album arise mostly from its polish; “Distraction” sounds significantly more produced than the band’s first album. “Giants” and “Agora,” the two singles from the new album, both veer to the more radio-friendly, alt-rock end of the post-punk spectrum.

“Giants” reminds me of a less aggressive version of “I Love You” by Said the Whale. The upgraded production values are shown off in the expansive soundscape that the four-piece outfit creates. “Agora” and its strutting melody and swaggering chorus make a glorious hipster headbanger that screams for a good club-minded remix.

“The Bug,” quite possibly the most indie-pop track on the album, is comprised of a solid riff and catchy melodies. This newer, friendlier side of Bear Hands will no doubt increase their appeal, but I think that they excel on their weirder tracks.

“Bad Friend” comes crashing in about halfway through the album with harsh lyrics and clipped, energetic guitars. The persistent lyrical refrain — “You’re a bad friend/ But still I love you” — make this track the perfect passive-aggressive song recommendation.

“Bone Digger” uses a trembling, quivering synth to keep the song on the edge of uncomfortable. The catchy chorus of “The lies, the lies, the bullshit, and the lies” doesn’t in any way assuage the discomfort. “Vile Iowa” features leader singer Dylan Rau’s soft, creepy vocals paired with subdued, fuzzy guitar chords. This trio of songs most closely recalls the more scatter-shot “Burning Bush Supper Club.”

Bear Hands’ new album “Distraction” provides a solid array of sounds for everyone, from the casual melody and guitar riff enthusiast to the connoisseur of the Brooklyn post-punk scene. Maybe I’m a cranky old geezer, but I personally find the rougher sides of “Distraction” more appealing, even if the pop-leaning contributions are far from trite. I guess all I really want to say is: keep Bear Hands weird.


Maya Poddar, The Dartmouth Staff