Golden Bear - Golden Bear

Bears, bears everywhere. We know that Stephen Colbert doesn't like them, and there are so many to be found in the indie rock world--Bears, Panda Bear, Grumpy Bear, Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Bear vs Shark, et al. Austin's Golden Bear is a welcome addition to that list, and while our secure little independent scene is being overrun by these ursine furballs of rock, we're content as long as the trend doesn't turn to shit. Golden Bear's shit is approximately of the same value as its name suggests... The third release from the Austin-based C-Side Records is Golden Bear's eponymous debut, and while the band shares sonic similarities (and some members) with labelmates The Channel, the outcome is more sweet and lazy. Floating somewhere in between lo-fi and crisp production, and blatantly flaunting an admiration for The Apples in Stereo and Built to Spill (amongst many others), Golden Bear thrive on huge hooks, gang vocals, and aural charisma. "Ten Thousand Orchestras" is the band's anthem, its chorus calling for fist-pumping and sing-alongs, a brass section in the backseat. "Golden Bear Revival Stomp" is exemplary indie-pop, bubbling along with precious bounce, oohs, ahhs, and vocals that sound like a less cartoon-ish Robert Schneider. The refrain of "I'm just a golden bear/flying through the air" manages to be completely silly and uplifting at the same time--a concise dichotomy of what Golden Bear is. "The Saddest Songs" adds in vocals from Austin favorite Pink Nasty and pedal steel from guest Lloyd Maines, implementing a country twang that works seamlessly with the Texas band. A splendid debut from an excellent band, Golden Bear's debut sets up a high hurdle to jump for the sophomore record, but at least it puts them at the head of the pack...or whatever you'd call a group of bears. Do bears travel in packs? I think they're solitary, except maybe during hibernation. But, Golden Bear doesn't need that lengthy rest. Anyway, all stupid bear jokes aside, it's good. [www.c-siderecords.com]