After the release of Minus the Bear’s fourth record Planet of Ice, many long-time fans of the band were left confused. Having altered their sound in such a way that caused the album to be considered by many to be their weakest release to date, the band needed to make a fifth album that would blow people’s minds and redeem their reputation.
With the release of their newest record, Omni, they did just that; not only did they impress even the harshest of critics, but they recreated their sound in such a way that Planet of Ice may no longer appear to be a mistake.
Omni opens with the synth-heavy dance track, “My Time,” which has a funk component that can be heard throughout the rest of the album. Following this are tracks like “Secret Country” and “Hold Me Down,” which blend the hard-hitting guitar lines that Minus the Bear is best known for with the softer, more piano-based side the band showed on Planet of Ice, turning what was hailed by some as a disaster into something that can now be considered genius.
One of the album’s highlights is the sexy, sultry track “Excuses.” Featuring a stellar vocal performance from Jake Snider, the lyrics reflect a sense of romance that perfectly compliments the song’s eerie, yet passionate tone.
Another highlight is the electronic track “Animal Backwards.” The pulsing beat and whimsical vocal harmonies nearly perfect the sound the band was going for on the record, making it a track easy to put on repeat and dance to all night. It is almost certain to be a party hit for even the hippest of the Brooklynites.
Keeping up with the steamy sound showcased on “Excuses,” Omni continues with “Into the Mirror.” Focusing on a haunting keyboard hook and built upon by cascading guitar lines, “Into the Mirror” also features a female guest vocalist, Rachel Flotard; her vocals fit perfectly aside Snider’s and help to create what could be hailed as the track on Omni that is most likely to have listeners on the dance floor.
While listening to Omni in its entirety, it is extremely difficult to find a single flaw. However, nothing is perfect, and unfortunately, the album proves this with “Summer Angel.” While it is by no means terrible, the song simply does not seem up to par in comparison to the rest of the record. It attempts to find its own groove, but instead, it displays an overly repetitive chorus and lacks any elements of surprise or change.
Overall, it is clear that Minus the Bear’s efforts on Omni have brought them back to the top of their game. The album can easily be considered some of their best work to date, proving that in some cases, it takes a short fall from grace to create something that is truly beautiful. Whether that’s always the truth or not, it seems to be the story for Minus the Bear. Let’s just hope that the group does not take another dive, and continues to remain Seattle’s finest for decades to come.