Live at the Metro Theatre, Sydney. 2008. One of our favourite stories about these American indie rockers is the origin of their name. As singer/guitarist Jake Snider tells it: "A friend of the band had gone on a date and one of us asked him afterwards how the date went. Our friend said, 'You know that TV show from the '70s, B. J. and the Bear? It was like that ... minus the Bear.' That’s the straight truth." This show from 2008 showcases the band at their eclectic best, coming as it did off the back of their highly regarded third album ‘Planet of Ice’ (which, according to Alternative Press at the time showed the band not so much transforming their sound as transcending it ‘with brilliant countermelodies and sublime textures’). According to bassist Cory Murchy: “I know every band says they can’t explain their music, but I really can’t say that we sound like one specific thing. We don’t follow a particular scene or genre and hopefully that shows.” Dive in and see for yourself! Sadly, in 2018, the band announced their retirement and accompanying farewell tour. Their final live performance was at the end of 2018 in their hometown, Seattle. But at least we’ve always got this show from them to relive.  

 

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