Bear Hands Crime Pays

Brooklyn's Bear Hands have been hibernating since their 2007 debut EP, Golden, but have come back on the scene stronger than ever with the recent release of their first full-length album, Burning Bush Supper Club. The anticipation and publicity leading to an up-and-coming indie band's first full album can often be the kiss of death, but Burning Bush Supper Club kisses this presumption goodbye.

If you're listening to the four-piece post-punk band that is Bear Hands, you're probably thinking, "Hey, these guys sound a bit like MGMT pre-Congratulations." Well, that's because frontman Dylan Rau was actually classmates with MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. They have also opened for them on several occasions, as well as for Vampire Weekend and The XX. No wonder they continue evolving.

The opening track on the album, "Crime Pays,"  is a fitting example of Bear Hands' ability to balance mellow post-punk with an enjoyably dance-worthy beat as Rau's falsetto varies tone throughout the track. The following track, "Belongings," is playfully catchy and upbeat, painting the picture for the remainder of the album that is just as engaging.

Bear Hands definitely has the whole psychedelic and post-punk sound similar to MGMT that indie fans love, but they take a more organic electronic approach. Burning Bush Supper Club is a refreshing delivery of variety that reserves them a polished seat in a sea of indie sibling rivalry. Don't be surprised if you've unknowingly been looping the album, it's lighthearted listenability is unlikely any affliction on your ears.