Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. As well as being one of the only baccalaureate colleges in the United States that prioritizes undergraduate disciplines in arts and sciences, Wesleyan has also churned out some of the best indie ‘buzz’ bands of the 2000’s, such as Boy Crisis, Amazing Baby, MGMT and Bear Hands. Buffalo’s alternative radio station WLKK 107.7 and After Dark Entertainment brings the latter to Buffalo tonight ($5, 6pm) for the latest installment of their ‘You Saw Them First Series.’
The Brooklyn based band will be playing a fresh set from their new album, Distraction (released February 18th), the sophomore follow up to their 2010 debut, Burning Bush Supper Club. This time around, Bear Hands decided to do things a little differently, setting up camp in guitarist Ted Feldman’s parent’s house. They recorded the basic tracks in a week, with Feldman taking the helm from the producers chair. I spoke with vocalist Dylan Rau about this decision via phone interview. “It was great, we all trust Ted, he has a huge wealth of knowledge about music. It definitely felt relaxed, we didn’t feel like we were on ‘the clock’. We think it was a great move.” Rau said. This is not to say that Bear Hands will never use an outside producer again,“It would definitely be exciting to work with certain producers in the future.” Rau added.
Distraction’s second single “Agora” is all about being agoraphobic, a feeling that Rau understands, “I’ve never been diagnosed with Agoraphobia or anything, I don’t know if I actually have it or not, it’s all tied up with a couple other mental health issues I have, but I certainly empathize with it, and I think I understand the feeling.” Distraction maybe a more polished effort with a focus on song structure, however don’t expected a muted show tonight. Bear Hands who are known for their vivacious, energetic live performances will in every term of the word be “bringing it”, agoraphobic tenadacies and all. Also on the bill tonight will be Buffalo’s Made Violent, Rochester’s The Demos, and Inlite who are from Buffalo as well.
~ Photo by Mark Loper
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