By Mike Stuart
10/09/2007
If there's one thing you definitely can't fault Minus the Bear for on their third album, it's the choice of title. Planet of Ice is an incredibly apt summation of this collection of stark, broody songs. Markedly more restrained than their earlier work, the album finds them, for better and worse, in much more sedated territory.
The slick production, handled by their ex-keyboard player Matt Bales, suits the more proggy elements on some of these tracks whilst also making others sound a bit sterile. Though there are some truly spectacular moments on Planet of Ice, such as jazzy standout 'Knights', too often it's particular parts in the songs that are the highlights rather than the whole songs themselves. Jack Snider's vocals waiver between perfectly suiting the melodies to sounding like he should be fronting a mainstream emo band. All these conflicting elements make Planet of Ice a frustrating listen, as it can simultaneously irritate and exhilirate within the space of one song.
Still, there's no doubting the musicianship of Minus the Bear's members. Dave Knudson's guitar work and Erin Tate's superb drumming (see 'White Mystery') particularly standout and provide the backbone on the more Floydian moments of the record. Planet of Ice shows Minus the Bear still trying to find their own voice and although it may be a mixed bag, the potential of this band cannot be denied.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Planet of Ice is released in the UK on September 10th, 2007
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
