THE SKINNY: Energetic, charismatic folk-rock group releases its fourth album. While the band has matured, it has not lost its charm.WEBSITE: http://www.sk6ers.com
MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/sk6ers
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/sk6ers
A little more than three years ago, I stumbled upon a musical gem called Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, completely by chance. It was one of the greatest accidental discoveries I've made.
The core trio of the Sixers -- Stephen Kellogg, Kit "Goose" Karlson, and Brian "Boots" Factor -- is a folk-rock hybrid group hailing from the Northeast. The group formed in 2003, and through its innovative songwriting and exuberant live performances (they have all been known to drop their pants mid-performance), have developed a fiercely loyal fanbase.
The Bear, which hit stores and iTunes on September 8, is the group's fourth album. It is a fitting followup to their 2005 self-titled album and 2007's Glassjaw Boxer. The raw, reminiscent lyrics evoke the thoughts and sentiments that can only come from the joys and sorrows of life. The album could be a soundtrack accompanying the thoughts of a man reflecting on all he's endured, speaking to an assortment of younger, less experienced friends or family members. The pervasive theme of the album can be summed up in the title track's reprise: "Sometimes you get the bear / sometimes the bear gets you / sometimes you're gonna win / sometimes you're gonna lose / but you know in the end / there's no apologies."
While the band has retained some of its former gentle brightness (as evidenced in the lullaby-esque "Oh Adeline"), the band has branched out to the arena of longer, more instrumentally focused ballads. "Mabeline", which is nearly seven minutes long,
tells a tale of breaking the law and getting caught. What speaks louder than the words is the instrumental breakdown approximately four and a half minutes in, when the simple melody speeds up, backed by a complex drum beat and quick piano.
The Sixers have clearly matured. Lyrically, they are less lighthearted and naive. Musically, the kazoo is missing from the musical accompaniment. While Glassjaw Boxer initially struck me as a more adult, occasionally darker follow-up to the upbeat self-titled, The Bear takes that element one step further. They have not lost their lovably lackadaisical musicianship or element of exuberance, but it has undoubtedly been toned down. The Bear also plays up the southern and folk subtleties of the previous albums.
"A (With Love)" off of The Bear
"Satisfied Man" off of The Bear
FAVORITE TRACK: A (With Love), Satisfied Man
FOR FANS OF: Whiskeytown, Traveling Wilburys, Old 97s
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