Minus the Bear in Detroit

I have seen a lot of shows. Probably more than I should have, some good, some great and some forgettable. The funny part is, I have never seen one at Clutch Cargo’s, a venue just outside of Detroit. It wasn’t until deciding what to do for Brenna’s birthday did we decide to make the short travel north to see our first concert together. She had mentioned that Minus the Bear was playing a show around her birthday, which was great because the band had recently signed to Dangerbird Records. I had been working with the label on a couple of acts in their arsenal for a few years, so this was perfect. The management at the label has always been more than happy to help out with photo passes and press kits, and this was no exception. The venue itself is crazy. It is an old Catholic church renovated into a concert hall. Intimate, yet somehow creepy in the fact that we were drinking vodka and redbull in a former place of worship.

There is nothing like the feeling you get as the lights sink from dim to absolute zero, the crowd roaring behind you, camera in tow, and nothing but a few pedalboards and monitors separating you from the band. The smoke billows as they walk on stage. The place erupts. At this point, I don’t know if its telling of my age, but I am glad we are in front of the barrier, because it looks hot in the pit. If this show isn’t sold out, then I would be shocked.

Hailing from Seattle, Minus The Bear is extremely difficult to define. Descriptive words of singular tracks are an easier way to describe the live show. Varying from Indie rock with rocksteady, electronica, funk driven fuzz overtones, to total glitch madness by use of delay pedals. The band is touring in support from their latest effort “OMNI”. A slight departure from works past, OMNI seems to be a more mature, spatial record that really shines live. Odd time signatures, along with abrupt stop/starts makes the songs give off a spacey energy. Minus the Bear is without a doubt a band to see in person, if not only to see how the songs evolve and take shape while on stage.

It really seemed as if the band really was into playing for this crowd, and having a great time themselves. On a cold winter night, if you were into music at all, Clutch Cargo’s was the place to be. Security was extremely nice and helpful to the photographers which makes me want to return there for more shows. Thanks to Greg at Dangerbird for the credentials and Brenna for taking way better shots than I did.