Their most recent release recorded live at one of Tucson’s most-popular digs, Club Congress, captures the spirit of their performances… just like being there without having to deal with any tall assholes. Mostly Bears’ rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “I Told You I’m No Good” goes beyond kitsch to embody the song’s soulful aspect while adding more power. From its mumbling/melodic vocals, airy guitars, and gentle drum and bass to the triumphant build that calls to mind similar Radiohead ascensions, my favorite tune on the album has to be “Passeig De Gracia.” The album’s longest number “The Pharmacist” extends itself into an eight minute pleasure coma. The lively “People’s Distinctive Travels” ends the live disc with a mushrooming desire in the listener to hear them (actually) live.
In 2008, The Ed Mitchell Clinic came to life with Mostly Bears. Their first full-length album is undeniably excellent from “The Digital Divide” to the studio version of “Passeig De Gracia.” The recording as a whole abounds with a mixture of emotions and pays subtle tribute their musical influences. “Airports” is one of the songs that stuck to me upon first listen: the enticing intro pulled me in, the dance-ish beat kept me around, while the mellow melody tucked me in for the night. “Melancholyism”, however, was a personal favorite with its thoughtful combination of the dominant bass drum alongside the keyboard and Brian’s anguished voice. The Ed Mitchell Clinic leaves one with that deep-felt satisfaction that follows listening to a great album.
Their first release, the Only Child EP, was crafted in 2007. With only three poignant tracks, the EP bears the mark of an early recording which only adds to the ear flavor when listening. While maintaining a solid Mostly-Bears-Sound throughout the recording, “The Unassuming One” have very gritty, very Modest Mouse moments and “Leda Atómica” has a similar Shins undertone to it.
All in all, Mostly Bears is an amazing Arizona act. They incorporate a number of new sounds like those created by the likes of Arcade Fire and Radiohead, but they have their own distinct sound which they hold to throughout all of their recordings. Each album is worth a trip to the local record store. Few bands manage to achieve the powerful-as-fuck and chilled-out in the same moment as well as this trio.
The indie-rock three-piece known as Mostly Bears hails from the southern metropolis of Tucson. Brian Lopez (lead vocals, guitar), Nick Wantland (Drums), and Geoffrey Hidalgo (vocals, bass) joined forces in 2006 to form the band. As a collective unit, Mostly Bears has accomplished several recordings during their time together beginning with 2007’s EP Only Child, the full length The Ed Mitchell Clinic in 2008, and most recently 2009’s Team of Spirits: Live at Club Congress.
