DC’s Bearshark are releasing their second and final record, as members Mick and Kiel head out West on new adventures. 2011’s Gorilla Defense EP showcased the band’s eclectic tastes, blending post-rock and Modest Mouse’s jagged, rusty, aggressively syncopated guitars. The track "Canyonlands" was the most dynamic and rich in influence, opening with a severe ode to 60’s western soundtrack music, reverberating guitars crashing through piles of cymbals into a peaceful star-filled landscape and back again, a journey across the range climaxing with an indie-rock charge into the night. "Canyonlands" reappears on the new record (as the title track), in a new form, and the changes in the song reflect the differences between the two records.
For Canyonlands, Bearshark have dropped much of the angular guitar-work in favor of atmospherics reminiscent of Mogwai. Now the Morricone guitars trail comets through billowing stardust on space-western adventures. On the track "Needles" (linked below), guitars float weightlessly, slowly gathering momentum before blasting off on rockets powered by exploding drums, propelling richly layered guitars and synths to galaxies far away in search of the next glorious victory.
You can join the band for one last adventure at their record release and farewell show, presented by the DC Area Deli, at the Rock and Roll Hotel on May 24th (doors at 7PM, music at 7:30–tickets here). Bearshark will be releasing the record at the show, as digital download codes, on flash drives, and with a special limited edition art print! Don’t miss your last chance to see Bearshark, as they headline a set showcasing musical wonders from across the DMV, including Black Girls (Richmond), Alex Vans (DC), and Andy Bopp (Baltimore). –Natan Press