Statistiques
Biographie
This post-punk outfit is made up of Dylan Rau on vocals and guitar, Val Loper on bass, Ted Feldman on guitar and TJ Orscher on drums. Bear Hands hail from New York, USA and they signed to Cantora Records in 2010. Rau and Feldman met while the two attended Wesleyan University studying film, and were later joined by Loper and Orscher through their previous bands. They were heavily involved in the local hardcore punk scene. After putting four songs together in two rehearsals, they compiled their first full-length studio album entitled “Burning Bush Supper Club” which was released on November 2nd 2010. Rau had been classmates with MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser at Wesleyan, which led to Bear Hands supporting them on two on-campus shows.
Following this album, inspired by Jonathan Lethem’s novel Chronic City, the band named their new album “Distraction”, released on February 18th 2014, which was about "losing touch with reality", said Rau. The project was a self-funded one, working with Feldman; already the director of the band’s videos would also take on the role of producer, with engineering assistance from Yale Yng-Wong and Jake Aron. The album was an auto biographical one which touched on some dark topics, including failing romance. “Thought Wrong” was based on when two of the band members were simultaneously involved in intense break-ups while “Vile Iowa” reflected Rau’s experiences visiting his ex-girlfriend’s family.
Avis
Bear Hands brings elements of post-punk and electronic music into their performance that is packed with danceable grooves and high energy.
Quick, staccato rhythms on the guitar are strummed in an angular manner over the pulsing rhythm of the drums, which helps glue the sounds of all the other instruments together in Bear Hand’s tunes. Synthesizers are nicely incorporated into the music to create fun electronic sounds as well as to create ethereal soundscapes to the music. Lead singer, Dillon Rau, has a very unique voice that is almost used as a form of instrumentation in the music. His voice is very punchy and dynamic creating interesting rhythmic structure to the songs. The other members of the band also sing backing harmonies in order to give their songs a deep richness.
Bear Hands always puts on a fun concert. Their songs are lighthearted and have great rhythms to dance to. The dynamics of the guitar and bass sound like something the Talking Heads would perform, and the unique delivery of the vocals is presented with an intensity that is similar to Isaak Brock or Frank Black. The band’s high energy performances and talented songwriting abilities have already started to pay off for them. They have opened for many talented bands such as MGMT, Passion Pit, and GZA, and their song “Giants” became a hit on the Alternative Songs chart.
Bear Hands are sure to never disappoint. The band members have great musical chemistry and are able to play in perfect time with one another. They always are keeping the audience engaged with their poppy hooks as well as keeping them interested in their experimental explorations in sound.
The band, Bear Hands; The gig, B Ryders; The night; AMAZING
So, I went to the gig with one purpose and one purpose only, I needed to listen to "What a drag" live. It's not only my favorite Bear Hands song, but one of my favorite songs overall. I just love it. The venue: B Ryders was awesome, although on first impression: I was sure it would be the scene of my murder (pro-tip: in an adjacent lot to B Ryders there is a drive-thru Baskin Robbins. Soo awesome.)Sketchy location aside, inside the stage was accessible which would mean the band would be close so I was sold.
By the time Bear Hands hits the stage, I've had a good time listening to music and dancing (as good as indie music kids dancing can get). They bands energy was awesome, they were talking to the audience, which I totally love. They played a couple of songs that I did not know but I liked. Then, song #4 of the set-list, "What a Drag" and DUDE! IT WAS AAAMAZING! Just to hear one of your favorite songs being played live, it was a rush of excitement and pure joy! Indie music heaven. A couple songs later, they played their massive hit "Giants" and the crowd buzzed with the energy, the entire bar buzzed around the stage, and everybody was just feeling IT. During the set one of the members did some impromptu yoga posses while singing, again total win.
My take away of the performance, it was: fun, weird, awesome, lovely, raw, super!!!!
The experience was phenomenal, my friends had a great time and at the end of the night we meet Ted, who, btw is really photogenic. =)
THIS SHOW WAS SO WORTH IT. Damn man. I'm blown away by this bands talent and their likeability. I met all but one of the bands members as well after the show! They just came out and hung out. It was impressive and very satisfying. I'll be hittin up this venue again with my girl NO DOUBT NIG
Bear Hands was amazing! The (positive) energy they have during a show is so exciting and makes them great performers! A special kudos to Val for stopping the show to kick out a dude for messing with some girls he kept pushing and hitting. Stand up guys who are making some awesome music!
I loved the whole concert! I am a big fan of the bands they were playing with and had only heard a couple of their songs but they did a fantastic job. I would definitely go to another one of their concerts. Phenomenal band!
Third time seeing these guys and never a disappointment. Dylan came out after the show and talked to/took pictures with anyone who wanted to. The small venues create a much more personal feel.