On Friday night Minus the Bear returned to Louisville and played Mercury Ballroom with Into it. Over it. It was a surprise not to see Mercury Ballroom sold out, but I guess with Wilco playing the same night Louisville music fans had to make some tough decisions.
Into it. Over it. channels their inner Taking Back Sunday in an attempt to revive the heyday of emo music. While their music isn't something I would listen to on my own accord, the Chicago based band is obviously passionate about music, performing, and the drummer definitely sums all of this up in his emotional facial expressions. Oh, did I mention the bassist used a capo? Something not unheard of, but also not common. I'm not sure if this made an audible difference, but it was a fascinating feature to notice. 
Any avid Minus the Bear fan will know by now that Erin Tate is no longer with the band due to "personal and creative differences” according to statements from band members. Tate left back in January and a replacement has not been announced. So, on Friday I think one thing on everyone’s mind was the new drummer. Who ended up being a talented musician half the age of the rest of the band. There wasn’t any mention if the “new guy” would be permanent or not, none the less, it was a seamless performance. The band played their 2005 album, Menos el Oso, in its entirety provoking a major nostalgic throwback for serious fans.
Minus the Bear's Jake Snider (guitar/lead vocals) and Dave Knudson (lead guitar) lend the band a dynamic that is both visually and musically interesting. Snider, whom is looking a lot like Eddie Vedder these days, provides a strange mellowness that works well to counteract Knudson's energetic guitar and performance. There's a something everyone can get lost in with Minus the Bear whether it be the Snider/Knudosn dynamic, surreal song lyrics, or deeply satisfying riffs.
Photos by Elliott Carter
