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Bearhunter: Self Titled

Bearhunter

Self-titled

(Harvest Sum)

While Bearhunter is relatively new to Buffalo’s tight-knit music scene, they have already made an impression. Is it only a matter of time before they’re its stars? Who knows. Are they as good as any band in Buffalo? Bet on it, every bit. Brothers Mike and Dave Calos and Rob Pusateiri have hit the motherlode. For their first full-length release it sounds like the Buffalo trio has hit on a tantalizing rock middle ground that manages to slip between a Dinosaur Jr and Pavement style slack rock and riff-pounded, post-Zep heavy rock. While this self-titled album represents an elemental combination of indie-colored sensibilities along with real rock values—like no fear of guitar solos or a blues base—there’s even more to like in Bearhunter’s delivery. They have a tightness that can take a band years to work up to and don’t shy from a warm pop side underneath the overloaded amps that’s never far away and bubbles up in harmonies, virally catchy choruses, and slick drumming. The one other thing is that Dave Calos seems to be a real frontman, something that is sorely lacking in so many bands. There’s little posturing here as he sings and plays guitar like he means it and does both not so much with zeal but definitely with purpose. The entire band exudes purpose, really. There’s little flashy about them: They are dudes playing in a rock band and that can be a beautiful thing, especially when done with the palpable grace and purpose that Bearhunter manages. Wannabes take note: Here’s the real thing.

—donny kutzbach

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