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Year in Rock 2012 Nominee: Minus The Bear

MINUS THE BEAR
Diamond Lightning
From: Infinity Overhead
Released: August 28

After turning some longtime fans off with the overly electronic offerings on 2010's Omni, Minus The Bear's fifth album sees the band return somewhat to their quirky rock past. I say “somewhat” because Infinity Overhead is not so much quirky as it is a refinement of their strengths, a maturing sense of songcraft and a focused pop-rock platter. The results may not win them admirers in droves or the unconditional forgiveness of scorned fans, but it does make them worthy of a listen, particularly when it all comes together as beautifully as it does on album standout Diamond Lightning.

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