Slothbear have an album coming out this year called Qids. My first hearing the band was a couple months ago  when I grabbed the first single,  “Don’t Taunt a Tiger,” of either Pop Tarts or Gimmie Tinnitus.  ”Don’t Taunt a Tiger” is a well written up beat pop track that I enjoyed, and  I even made a note of…but it wasn’t until the b-side showed up in my inbox that I was really motivated to write about them.

“Killed By Cars” has a much darker tone than the single almost dwelling in the realm of post-hardcore or post-punk more so than the pop of it’s a-side counter part.  Discordant guitars, and  vocals start off this long six minute track.  Musically “Killed By Cars” brings to mind sounds of the 90′s, but not the sounds that we typically think of.  I feel that the influence of Pavement is strong these days, but it’s much more rare to get a  Silkworm or even just slightly a Fugazi vibe from a band, and that is what “Killed By Cars” does for me.  I’m always fond of 90′s influenced rock, and I think it is a phenomenal place to draw inspiration, but it is a welcomed surprise to hear a band bringing these dark sounds from that era to my computer and stereo these days.  About two minutes into the track there are some vocals, more the cadence than the tone, that are a bit reminiscent of  Moon and Antarctica era Modest Mouse (and if you listen I’m pretty sure you will understand what I’m talking about), but it complements the song in an unexpected way and is not over used.  The track even ends in a fairly lengthy guitar solo making me wish there was a little more from Slothbear to digest…I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next single.

An impressive second track from the upcoming album.   If  Slothbear is able to balance their light and dark sides like they did on this single it might just be what sets them apart.

[mp3] Slothbear- “Killed By Cars”

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This is part of my Speed Dating series.  For more on this series please click here.