Song of the Day: Minus the Bear - Invisible

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Invisible” by Minus the Bear, from their 2017 album, VOIDS, on Suicide Squeeze Records.

Minus the Bear - Invisible (MP3)Coming out of a five year hibernation, Seattle's beloved math-rock outfit Minus the Bear is back out in the world stretching their guitar-tapping limbs and grabbing a breath of fresh air for their indie pop lungs. Sixteen years strong as a band, Minus the Bear has released their sixth studio album, VOIDS, (a return to Suicide Squeeze) earlier this month, which is solidly grounded in their riff-heavy melodies situated in both wall-of-sound tapestries and minimally instrumented soundscapes. VOIDS is their follow-up to 2012's Infinity Overhead, when we last heard their euphoric rock numbers. Inevitably, like any band with that long of a history, the seasoned rockers have experienced some catalysts for change via new members, new musical roles, fatherhood, switching labels, and the natural affinity to evolve their sound. Dave Knudson, one of their founding members, stated, "There was a lot of change and uncertainty... I think the general vibe of emptiness, replacement, lacking, and longing to fill in the gaps was very present in everyones’ minds."

On VOIDS, specifically their first single, "Invisible," you'll hear the drumming dexterity of Kiefer Matthias, who replaced their original kit-master Erin Tate. Matthias now holds down the kit with some new percussive patterns and emulates that Minus the Bear style where the cadences and quick fills jump out at you just at the right time. Tracking just under four minutes, Jake Snider's vocals in "Invisible" are pristine and punctuated hitting highs harmonious with his own rhythm guitar being hypnotic on the verses and explosive in the chorus. As aforementioned, Minus the Bear songs are rooted in riffs and one major factor of their unique sound is Dave Knudson's signature licks, which he doesn't shy away from in "Invisible", but keeps modest. This first single from the band will easily on the ears of both old and new fans.

Minus the Bear is touring the U.S. extensively to promote their new album, VOIDS. They have dates and updated news on their website and Facebook page, so check them out and see when they're coming to your, town. Excitingly, they've already released their second single called "Last Kiss," which you can watch the music video for below.