Killing Bear

– Released – December 16, 2016

I hadn’t planned on taking a trip into outer space before pressing play on this album from Pukerua Bay four piece, Killing Bear. Knowing absolutely nothing about them, I gladly jumped on board and strapped myself in like an unsuspecting hitchhiker. 

Off to a smooth start, we float into the peaceful melodies of the first two instrumental tracks, Utopia Planitia and Olympus Mons. Each creating a sense of excitement and intrigue while providing a perfect landscape of the ensuing journey.

The arrival of a catchy lyric in Teachers begins to shape the album into an entertaining and laid-back experience of flight. With tracks like Noctis Labyrinthus to zone out in, we start to gain altitude with Deimos and Phobos launching us into an unknown and unexplored realm of aural amusement.

Momentarily disorientated by sounds of mysterious chit chat and festivities placed in between tracks. The only thing reminiscent of planet earth. Snatched away by the gravitational pull of Reptilian Overlord, it’s as though we’ve entered into the orbit of an alien party planet. Arriving with, Ride The White Rhino blasting on the stereo aboard a starship of boot rattling, bass funk.

Cast out into a wonderland of musical experimentation with the intoxicating Tricocereus Pachanoi and Terraforming mellowing the vibe of new found wisdom. Interrupted by the unstoppable flow and dynamically heavy riffs of Mycology the buzz begins to take over.

Riding on a psychedelic wave of stars we wake to the comfort of Eos Chasma‘s soothing guitar effects and drone like rhythms. The final interstellar taxi, escorting us home from the party in space. A somewhat casual end to a crazy story of interplanetary desires.

A great way to spend a Saturday evening flying through space on this well produced and truly immersive sequence of sound. Highly recommended for all space goers and anyone with an exploratory ear.
– Matt Mutinous – 4 Stars

Bandcamp Link