Yes, it’s a repost. I’m at Pitchfork. Be back soon. xoxo -Matt
Black Bear appear to have come from nowhere with The Cinamon Phase, but it’s the pleasent kind of surprise that can only come from an indie release. This is strongly suggested for fans of The Unicorns, The Hidden Cameras or Grumpy Bear.
MP3: Black Bear - Black Bear
MP3: Black Bear - I Believe In Immediacy
I take a particular bit of glee in noting how the bare instrumentation contrasts with the sheer poetic quality of “Black Bear.” In it, Sam compares his own life with that of his band’s namesake, the black bear. It’s an age old question in our modern times, but who really has it better: the bear roaming free, or we in our advanced, paranoid society? Similarly, “I Believe in Immediacy” is a quick, quick song that matches well with the subject matter. It’s witty in the way that the Unicorns or Hidden Cameras were/are witty.
