Minus the Bear

Everything about Minus the Bear initially sounded like a joke, from their song titles ("Hey, Wanna Throw Up?") to the band's name (which really does come from an inside joke). But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take them seriously. This Seattle band has been earning the respect of critics and fans alike since it was formed in 2001 by guitarist David Knudson, bassist Cory Murchy and drummer Erin Tate. The three of them recruited singer/guitarist Jake Snider and keyboardist Matt Bayles (who left the band in 2006 and was replaced by Alex Rose). Several EPs, four albums (including remix album Interpretaciones del Oso) and a TON of touring followed, cementing Minus the Bear's reputation as a very serious band. And hey, they even got rid of the silly song titles on 2007's Planet of Ice. (Well, almost..."Ice Monster"?!)