Bear Vs. Shark - Terrorhawk

Unfortunately, this review comes in a bit late, as Bear Vs. Shark departed the realm of music via band break-up late last year. But, the music still exists, and all good music is supposed to be timeless, right? Maybe Terrorhawk isn't exactly a classic like Repeater, but the Michigan-ites of Bear Vs. Shark managed to release two solid, pigeonhole-avoiding, Fugazi-reminiscent records during their brief career. Though they didn't break any ground, those who encountered and enjoyed them will most likely keep a favorable view of the band, but unfortunately, two releases aren't enough to cement the band as anything more than "pretty damn good." 2003's Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands... set the quintet up as an raging, unpredictable mess of melody and literate aggression; Terrorhawk is a worthy follow-up, but replaces the fervent and frequent demeanor of the debut with an increased sense of musicality, experimentation, and overall songwriting. Rhythm changes, harsh vocals, even piano and brass instruments, are among the elements at play, and I'm tempted to say that these guys carried on the "emo" torch from those Dischord kids, Cap'n Jazz, and Braid mixing in with Hot Water Music or Leatherface, but those whiny, suicide and make-up lovin' bands (see Victory Records) have helped to destroy any positive connotation that term could carry. As for the band and this swan song, all I can say is that it's the opposite of a sophomore slump. Every aspect was increased in intensity, or skill, whichever the song called for, and in the punk and hardcore scene, Bear Vs. Shark could hold a torch to any peers, on or off the stage. Too harsh to be pretty, too well-read to be punks, and too musical to be hardcore, they were truly just themselves, and Terrorhawk testifies to that. [www.equalvision.com]