Usually, when someone mentions an Arkansas collective, the Clampett family springs to mind. This time, however, it refers to Bear Colony, a twelve-member indie outfit that has connections to at least eight other bands. Their debut, We Came Here To Die, is an elaborate blend of stressed rock and deft electronics that breeds some affecting alt-anthems. The music truly feels like it’s collective, using a lot of parts with smooth balance.
There’s a synthetic quality to We Came Here To Die that alludes to a music laboratory full of bottles of bubbling liquids and mechanical motion. While the album’s driven by a core of alt-rock, a striking variety of effects and layered instruments are added to the potion. "Sharks" mixes clever drum parts and wafting background guitars with the long stride of an alternative anthem. "Hospital Rooms Aren’t For Lovers" uses a sharp acoustic strum and easy-going drum machine to open up a nice, swirling refrain. "I’m Not Brave" is similar, but more focused. Each song’s strength is the array of instruments that share the space.
Led by Vince Griffins’ youthful strain, Bear Colony infuses passion into the rock machine. There’s a well-controlled power on We Came Here To Die that allows the songs to expand outward and not over-extend their upward energy. There are no dull moments, each track fills its own gaps, and the complex acoustic/electric/electronic mix shines through its alt-rock foundation.
