I Wrestled a Bear Once CD Review

I Wrestled a Bear Once- I Wrestled a Bear Once EP
Self Released, 2007

Blending the brutal sounds of grind-core with lush, ambient and techno beats, six-piece I Wrestled a Bear Once craft a dynamically intriguing self titled 6- song EP.

Lead vocalist Krysta’s voice is impeccable as she easily switches from the most gut wrenching and deep vocals to a melodic, sweet voice all in the same song. Fast, heavy, intense and crazy are the ingredients for this album. Song titles like “Ulrich Firelord: Breaker of Mountains,” “Alaskan Flounder Basket,” and “Corey Feldman Holocaust” are enough to make you chuckle. But, the incomprehensible vocals and random sounds get annoying too fast. With odd song titles, a mix of sounds, and interesting band name, I think the funny, wtf approach is what this Louisiana based band is going for.

The band performs with Horse the Band at Blender Theatre at Gramercy on June 4. Tickets are $14.50.

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Up The Punks @ Bowery Poetry Club 5/16

I made my way to New York City for “Up the Punks,” another TM Promotions dance party madness (late) night at Bowery Poetry Club that featured Emilyn Brodsky, The New York Howl, The Perrenials, NaNuchKa , and Whack.

The always classy and comical Ms. Brodsky put on a great show along with some drumming help from Semra of World Inferno/ Friendship Society. During her set mostly everyone sat on the floor. She joked about how she would start and end with a hit, dubbing it a “hit sandwich.” She announced she fake graduated this past week, with 8 credits left to complete. During “Swear to God” she had the audience get up and stomp/clap. It was fun, though I haven't mastered the craft that is the stomp/ clap.

The New York Howl would be up next to rock the stage like no other. They got the crowd moving and people really seemed to enjoy their set. They had a punk/ jazz vibe to them. Their set was really great with the addition of a bass sax. Stefan certainly knew how to play and rocked and rolled. He handled the stage and his mic well. It was great seeing the crowd so into this band and dancing like no one was watching.

The Perrenials from Boston, MA were up next. They didn’t seem to fit the bill and I was turned off by them.

During the night I was able to chat with Emilyn twice and joke with her, which was pretty cool.

Unfortunately, I had to leave so I was not able to see the last two acts, but I’m sure they both put on great and fun shows.

Bamboozle, May 3

While large festival aren’t my typical cup of tea, as I like to see bands in much intimate settings, I’ve managed to attend Bamboozle at the Meadowlands Sports Complex for three years. This year I would venture with Greg, Gery, and Gabby for a delightfully fun time.

Our first stop to the big bubble where we saw Anthony Raneri of Bayside acoustic. It was good to chill out. I calmed down after missing The Sleeping. Raneri played “Sorrow,” “Landing Feet First,” and “Devotion and Desire.” Streetlight were fun. RJA were okay, they played a Foo Fighter cover which was pretty neat. As Tall As Lions were really good acoustic, it was awesome to see them stripped down. They played “Love, Love, Love,” “Ghost of York,” “Maybe I’m Just Tired.” A Day to Remember were fun as always. The Bravery were amazing. I had a great time hearing “Believe” and “An Honest Mistake.” Paramore were intense, got in the crowd and held onto the three G’s as we pushed our way to the front. I had to get out of the crowd at the end. Heard Jimmy Eat World play the songs I knew, sounded great. Snoop Dogg was…an experience. It was weird seeing rock kids so into Snoop. My friends loved his set and he played 30 minutes more than expected. I recognized tracks, I didn’t even know were his, ha. “Jim and Juice” was classic. He was all about presenting himself as a ganster and the whole sex, drugs, alcohol thang. Good times.

In a brief:
2:00-2:30 Anthony Raneri- Bamboozle TV Studio- sweet
2:30-3 Streetlight Manifesto- Nowhat.com Stage- fun
3:00-3:30 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Asbury Park Stage- okay
3:30-4:00 Vinnie Caruna of the Movie Life- Nokia Ticket Rush Stage- good
4:00-4:30 Snake Milk (MAE)- Rebel Youth Records Stage- alright
4:15-4:45 As Tall As Lions (Acoustic)- Bamboozle TV Studio- sexy
5:40-6:10 Ludo- The Aquarian Stage- interesting
6:15- 6:45 A Day to Remember- The 5 Gum Stage- hardcore
6:20- 6:50 Saves the Day- Nowwhat.com Stage- nice
6:45 - 7:15 Kill Hannah- dancey
6:50-7:25 Jacks Mannequin- Asbury Park Stage- blah
7:25- 8:00 The Bravery- Nowhat.com Stage- catchy
8:00-8:45 Paramore- Asbury Park Stage- whoa
8:45-9:30 Jimmy Eat World - great
8:55-9:30 Del Jugo- Linc Star Records Break Stage- short
9:15-9:45 Alesana- The 5 Gum Stage- ouch
9:30-11:00 Snoop Dogg- off the hizzle