Just when all the fuss is exploding on the Brooklyn indie art and pop rock scene, Cantora Records are ready to unleash Brooklyn's Bear Hands US debut single "What A Drag" on February 16th. But this band doesn't sound like they are remotely influenced in the least by what's going on musically around them. They're breaking the mold making them a truly refreshing and stand out group, opening their own rift, letting everyone know there's a new sheriff in town. "What A Drag" will be available digitally, in addition to a 1000 limited run pressing of white vinyl.
It's been nearly 2 years since singer /songwriter/ guitarist Dylan Rau and guitarist Ted Feldman graduated from Wesleyan college with degrees in film and 3 years since their first uproar in a Chelsea rehearsal space with fellow band mates drummer TJ Orscher and bassist Val Loper. This is indeed quite the natural fit since Cantora is the label that is home to the cool Wesleyan sound featuring giants such as MGMT, the talented Francis and the Lights and uprising starlets Savoir Adore.
It is certainly prime time to expose the fresh Bear Hands sound to the masses. "What A Drag" is their first recording using a keyboard, lending the band's already addictive rhythm section an even more New Order-sque sound. With it's induced tribal stomping drum beat, reverb heavy guitars, driving bass and Dylan's soulful falsetto drop ins, "What A Drag" contains one of the strongest hooks that you'll be hard pressed to shake out of your head. Cale Parks takes it up a noch with his oh 'so deep' remix. And don't skip the b -side "Can't Stick Em" which contains another rigorous chunky bassline groove –booty call music for the indie-rock set!
It is with great confidence all around that "What A Drag" is that special tune that's going to get these lads out of the van and into the tour bus, falling in love, and quitting their day jobs. However, since they all agree that "There's a sense of urgency living in NYC and a need to create", this foursome don't have plans to move anytime soon. Even as they're finishing up their debut full length album, Bear Hands will be promoting "What A Drag" along with songs from their previously self released debut, "The Golden EP" and boasting new material across the US nationwide this February leading up through SXSW.
February 16, New York, NY, The Studio at Webster Hall (RECORD RELEASE GALA)
February 17, Pittsburgh, PA, Brillobox
February 18, Newport, KY, Southgate House Parlor
February 19, St. Louis, MO, The Old Rock House
February 20, Oklahoma City, OK, Conservatory
February 21, Albuquerque, NM, Launchpad
February 23, Phoenix, AZ, Rhythm Room (w/ WWPJ)
February 24, La Jolla, CA, The Loft-UCSD (w/ WWPJ)
February 25, Los Angeles, CA, Spaceland
February 26, Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour (w/ WWPJ)
February 27, San Francisco, CA, Slim's (w/ WWPJ)
March 1, Vancouver, BC, Biltmore Cabaret (w/ WWPJ)
March 2, Seattle, WA, Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading (w/ WWPJ)
March 3, Portland, OR, Doug Fir Lounge (w/ WWPJ)
March 5, Salt Lake City, UT, Kilby Court (w/ WWPJ)
March 6, Denver, CO, Hi Dive (w/ WWPJ)
March 7, Lawrence, KS, Jackpot Saloon (w/ WWPJ)
March 8, Omaha, NE, The Waiting Room (w/ WWPJ)
March 9, Minneapolis, MN, Varsity Theatre (w/ WWPJ)
March 11, Chicago, IL, Lincoln Hall (w/ WWPJ)
March 12, Cleveland, OH, Grog Shop (w/ WWPJ)
March 13, Columbus, OH, The Summit (w/ WWPJ)
March 14, Indianapolis, IN, Radio Radio (w/ WWPJ)
March 15, St. Louis, MO, The Old Rock House (w/ WWPJ)
March 28, Niagra Falls, NY, Rapids Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
March 30, Cleveland, OH, House of Blues (OH) (w/ Passion Pit)
March 31, Columbus, OH, Newport Music Hall (w/ Passion Pit)
April 2, Chicago, IL, Congress Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
April 3, Milwaukee, WI, Turner Hall (w/ Passion Pit)
April 4, Minneapolis, MN, First Avenue (w/ Passion Pit)
April 5, Kansas City, MO, Beaumont Club (w/ Passion Pit)
April 7, Denver, CO, Odgen Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
April 8, Salt Lake City, UT, In the Venue (w/ Passion Pit)
April 10, Eugene, OR, McDonald Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
April 11, Vancouver, BC, Commodore Ballroom (w/ Passion Pit)
April 12, Portland, OR, Roseland Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
April 15, San Francisco, CA, Warfield Theatre (w/ Passion Pit)
