Bear vs Shark - Terrorhawk (2005)

Genre- Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore

Bear vs. Shark are from the Detroit, Michigan area and reside on the Equal Vision label. Terrorhawk is their second full length release. Describing Terrorhawk's sound will prove to be difficult. Their influences are many and elements of each influence shine through in their music. At times you can hear hints of Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi, and Leatherface . It is a combination of Post-Hardcore, Math Rock and jangly Indie Rock all rolled into one tight, high tension sound. Vocally, Mark Paffi doesn't really sing. He doesn't really scream either. It is an emotive wail that blends into the hidden start stop melodies of the band. The music is aggressive, powerful and at times down right beautiful. Time changes are plenty and elevate the tension slowly to a simmering boil. Eventually it boils over and the song is burned into your mind. You want to go back and listen to the song again, but you stop because you can't wait to hear the next. Terrorhawk is also quite experimental. It's certainly not your average Post-Hardcore album. There are jazzy interludes of horns and strings that should not sound appropriate, but for some reason sound just right thrown into the mix. This album has high replay value. It is like a complex movie that you watch multiple times. Each time brings something hidden that you missed the time before. I strongly recommend this album. Best songs are Catamaran and Baraga Embankment.

Rating- 8/10