In the simplest terms, song titles are not the focus of Minus the Bear; it's the music, it's always been so. With their new album, Menos El Oso, Minus the Bear reinforce that focus and expand on it, ushering richer narratives, refined production and emotional breadth into their sound.

The song titles are more subtle, the lyrics more thematic. The rich syncopation and calculated, but lush, musical arrangements remain -- only they've been cultivated.

Think early Police, add a dash of Prefuse 73's electronic subtlety, tons of intricate muscianship, heaping mounds of sincerity and a few emotional outbusts made by ex-members of Botch, Kill Sadie, Sharks Keep Moving, and producer Matt Bayles (Isis, Mastodon, The Blood Brothers).