is more varied in style and sub-genre, the pieces feel like they were meant for one another. Lost Loves is both a diverse introductory listen for new fans, as well as a cool collectible (especially on vinyl) for the die-hard fan who might have been wondering what they had been missing.

 

Opening the album is "Electric Rainbow," a song that sounds exactly as it’s titled. The band uses digital delay to create a trippy background melody, maintaining a sense of calm amidst the song's frantic drum beats and more intense bursts of rock guitar riffs. Outside of that steady, trance-like background, the melody is erratic, and I even caught a bit of a grunge-y guitar undertone in the second minute. Another constant is singer Jake Snider's clear, almost detached voice that mimics the calming background melody before amping up the volume for a passionate chorus: "Oh, stay lonely, stay quiet/ Stay, and you'll keep breathing." Maybe it's the lyrical similarity to "Hands Down," but the voice definitely reminds me of Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba. But this isn't your early 2000’s emo; as with the rest of the album, those slightly-similar sounds are spun into something more modern.

 

Following "Electric Rainbow" is another catchy song that utilizes a background melody to create depth. "Surf-N-Turf" is a danceable, vibe-y song, chock full of rich instrumentation and Snider's crystal clear vocals. I could go on about the different layers of sounds woven together, but for me, this track was all about how it made me feel. It's rare for me to get lost in a song, but from the very first listen, "Surf-N-Turf" made me close my eyes and feel the song. More powerful than a great drum beat, that artificial-sounding loop of single-pluck guitar notes pulled me so far in that there was no second-guessing my movements as I swayed along at my desk. Even after a handful of listens, I couldn't repeat back any lyrics because I get so lost in the melody.

 

Taking an unexpected yet welcome turn into a slightly darker sound, "Walk On Air," opens with a very nostalgic 90’s guitar melody that feels mismatched to Snider's pristine vocals. However, there's a definite match in the energetic, staccato-styled chorus which enlivens the song. Those quick, short bursts of vocals are so catchy that I wanted to sing along even without knowing the words. Then, just before the second minute, there's a totally unexpected scale of notes that feels straight out of a videogame and reminds me of Anamanaguchi's use of NES sounds. And maybe it's that comparison that gives me the crazy urge to play Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road racetrack while listening to this song. "Walk on Air" is a wild combination of styles, but just like the album, it comes together to make a catchy, fun listen.

 

Much of the rest of the album is pitted with 80’s influences, including a contemporary ballad titled "Patiently Waiting," marked by the standout, forlorn lyrics "Morning came and saw you alone/ He had turned into a note/ 'Thanks girl, next time in my town/ Just pick up the phone.'" It's not the only song to tell the story of boozy late-night hookups, but "Cat Calls & Ill Means" wins my favor with its slightly punk-influenced version of a similar story. The album wraps up with a song called "The Lucky Ones" which is a simultaneously hopeful and depressing view on the search for love. It fills a gap I couldn't quite put my finger on, while also being the most representative song of the album.

 

Lost Loves gives listeners a broad range of musical styles while showcasing Minus the Bear as a talented group of musicians who have grown and developed their sound. It's more than impressive for an album of misfits songs, and it's difficult to peg who would enjoy this album due to its eclectic and relatively broad appeal. So if you're looking for something new, check it out. If you like indie-alternative-math-rock with a side of grunge and electronica (or any one of these separately,) give it a listen. And if you're already a Minus the Bear fan, go listen now. Minus the Bear is currently on tour, with stops in the midwest and west coast approaching quickly. If you're a long time fan, you'll want to check out the VIP package which scores you some kickass merch, early entry and a chance to meet the band. Until they head your way, you can get your fix of Minus the Bear by checking out their website or picking up your own copy of Lost Loves.