Acoustics

Released just over a year since their last full-length album, Minus the Bear debuts an acoustic compilation of their previous works. Though only 7 tracks, Acoustic is an amazing rethought of past favorites such as Burying Luck, Pachuca Sunrise, and Ice Monster. Without the effects and distortion, it’s easy to find a simple appreciation for the music.

Many of the cutting, synthesized songs like Knights, maintain their sharpened edge with a substitute piano. We Are Not a Football Team is not my favorite song from their 2002 release, Highly Refined Pirates, but the acoustic recording is absolutely unwonted in its easy charm. The collage of pick-up drums, smooth chords, and glistening bells makes for the best-remade song. This back to basics, sound from Minus the Bear is a pleasure for all fans, and will likely make fans out of strangers.