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Bear Vs Shark Terrorhawk

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01. Catamaran 02. 5, 6 Kids 03. Six Bar Phrase Hey Hey 04. The Great Dinosaurs With Fifties Section 05. Baraga Embankment 06. Entrance of the Elected 07. Seven Stop Hold Restart 08. What a Horrible Night for a Curse 09. Out Loud Hey Hey 10. India Foot 11. Antwan 12. I Fucked Your Dad 13. Heard Iron Bug 14. Song About Old Roller Coaster 15. Rich People Say Fuck Yeah Hey Hey
2005 Equal Vision Records
Our score 8
by Ash Levitt
8/14/2005
I'm sure you wouldn't have to think too hard to come up with multiple examples of record labels that used to represent dozens of good bands and then magically overnight seemed to enter into the realm of crapdom. Why What call is there for signing these wretched groups Oh wait... money. But before I get too carried away, let me say that aside from the ton of obvious reasons why this switch is bad, it overshadows the couple of good bands each of these labels continues to work with. Bear vs. Shark is one such band that not only seems to be out of place on Equal Vision, but is truly a gem in the rough of too many bands that no one cares about. Bear vs. Shark, if you're unfamiliar with them, engages in a somewhat different style altogether compared to the hardcore, or even post hardcore scenes. Yes, they've toured with Bane; yes, they get lumped into a lot of weird shows; but they don't sound anything like the bands they play with. If I had to compare them to anyone, I would say Hot Water Music before I would say anything close to Bane, etc. Bear vs. Shark plays a really decent version of No Idea styled punk influenced rock that doesn't end up using clichés from any scene. The first track of their newest release Terrorhawk starts the album off as an up tempo song with a lot of punk energy, though the music never really gets that heavy, and is surely not of the same vein or sound as most punk. Other tracks change gears and follow a more relaxed template, opting for cleaner guitars, more singing instead of shouting, and the use of different instruments other than the typical guitar, bass, and drums. There are also tracks that have a distinct indie rock sound to them that almost harkens back to In Casino Out era At the Drive In. The mix of songs found on Terrorhawk keeps the listener's attention and is still solid and catchy on repeated listenings. The only drawback to Terrorhawk, other than the drastic changes between styles of songs (which some listeners might not like), is that the production kind of suffers on Terrorhawk and makes it somewhat difficult at times to hear all of the instruments clearly. Bottom Line: Bear vs. Shark plays a very good style of rock that will appeal to fans of many different kinds of music. If you like groups like Hot Water Music, Against Me!, or Michigan brethren Small Brown Bike, then you will probably enjoy Bear vs. Shark. Terrorhawk is a good exploration of different musical ideas that should be given more attention that it has received thus far.
Comments (31) post new comment
jerseyislame_ 8/14/2005 11:23:05 AM

lolz at this band

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scenepoints_ 8/14/2005 11:32:41 AM

They gave this shit an 8 and Demons and Wizards only got a 5. f*cking lambgay gays.

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xllbnfx_ 8/14/2005 11:50:11 AM

Probably one of the most lively bands to see live. I went to the show they played with Curl up And Die and Horse The Band and Bear vs. Shark stole the show. Make a point to check them out when they come through your town.

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xtroyx_ 8/14/2005 12:34:19 PM

i've seen this band a bunch, and it gets better and better each time. this record is amazing and without a doubt deserves an 8/10.

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Youequalcunt_ 8/14/2005 12:45:14 PM

Good band. The review fits em perfectly

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anonymous 8/14/2005 1:12:13 PM

wicked clownz

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anonymous 8/14/2005 1:18:23 PM

good cd

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mitsivurg_ 8/14/2005 1:32:36 PM

It's so amusing because can you can clearly see a pattern with the reviews. The bands that they like get 8s and 9s, while bands that demonstrate more musicality get 5s-7s. Worst reviewers on the net.

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whitelambpowergoat_ 8/14/2005 2:00:21 PM

more like bands that are f*cking gay as f*ck like iced earth and co suck fat c-ck and these people have some talent, asshat

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anonymous 8/14/2005 2:06:13 PM

mitsivurg - wow... what a brilliant deduction. The bands they like get high scores!!!! My god, you're on the ball.

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Konstrix_ 8/14/2005 2:23:29 PM

while a decent band and record, in pieces' lions write history >>>>>> terrorhawk

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drewcifer_ 8/14/2005 2:55:19 PM

great album, seriously

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bevis_ 8/14/2005 4:35:32 PM

neat album. listen to it before bitching.

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thegoddamnawesome_ 8/14/2005 5:01:19 PM

excellent album. definitely 8/10.

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Tim_Diesel_ 8/14/2005 5:25:13 PM

I love this band.

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xdxmx_ 8/14/2005 7:55:01 PM

the singer ran his head through the wall at Fleachers in baltimore a couple years ago

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Ohhhhh_ 8/14/2005 8:05:08 PM

Good band, rating is right, can't say the review was good.

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Ash Levitt_ 8/14/2005 8:15:34 PM

Sorry guys I'm a f*cking gay.horrible review

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LetsGetSerious_ 8/14/2005 8:21:33 PM

bvs>shitposters on LG

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scared_to_death_ 8/15/2005 10:17:29 AM

bear vs shark gets a higher mark than the new in pieces? i dont even need to hear this cd to know thats bogus, ive seen this band live and that was definitely enough.

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gravity_mac_ 8/15/2005 12:36:41 PM

mitzivurg - they demonstrate PLENTY of talent musically. you're a retard.

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xBrendanx_ 8/15/2005 1:46:27 PM

sharkbear

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matt_ 8/15/2005 3:20:54 PM

This cd is beyond rad. They play a style of music rarely found in other bands. BVS is great live too.

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im amazed!_ 8/16/2005 2:37:18 PM

mitzivurg you are clearly on the wrong site. you like wanky guitar noodling and drum masterbation. being a "excellent musician" isnt the same as writing a strong song or album. in fact most of the "most talented" on their instruments are song-deaf and cant write for shit. and thats boring. go listen to free jazz if you actually give a f*ck about that sort of wank.

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thenistabbedhim_ 8/17/2005 1:31:17 AM

I got this CD today, its damn good. f*ck the haters.

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Natas-101_ 8/17/2005 10:51:01 AM

Good band, don't dig the vocals though.

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savemefromtheoutsideworld_ 8/25/2005 11:07:12 AM

meh city. just listen to ATDI and be done with it.

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hxc0148_ 10/12/2005 9:02:06 AM

the shark are incredible, live or otherwise. I don't even normally listen to this genre and i fully realize how solid this album is, in fact. This is one of my favorites of '05, this shit hasn't left my stereo yet, plus they're really cool guys to boot. 9/10

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anonymous 11/27/2006 11:40:10 AM

great

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anonymous 1/29/2007 11:51:57 AM

gay, suck my dck

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whatswrongwithme_ 2/12/2007 9:55:12 AM

this band is f*cking amazing... die all of you

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