Bear Hands 'You'll Pay For This' review

Experimental rockers Bear Hands' album release of You'll Pay For This once again incorporates their smorgasbord of interests in a complex entanglement of youthful fervor. The Brooklyn natives unapologetically traverse into different sonic territories in this record without straying far from their signature indie rock roots.

Parts of the record feel as if they’re 30 years too late to the party (“Déjà vu”, “Like Me Like That”, “Winner’s Circle”), others wade in psychedelia (“2am”, “The Shallows”, “Purpose Filled Life”), while the rest gets lost somewhere altogether. Yet 1:50 into the first track, you can be assured that the bizarre mix of sounds will be deliciously satisfying.

You'll Pay For ThisMuch of the record is admittedly raw in content. As lead vocalist Dylan Rau laments, “Nothing good happens past 2am.” Being the boss (in the eponymous track) is predicated on the other being that expletive unmentionable. “Chin Ups” goes over the regular life of a porn actress not quite making it. While the halfway point confesses the inability to keep thing together (“Too Young”), by the closing track the chaotic path feels somewhat meaningful (“Purpose Filled Life”) Though the band has notably not been without their struggles.

As Wesleyan fellow alumni, both Rau with guitarist and fellow songwriter Ted Feldman shared artistic music interests but with conflicting circumstances. One unpleasant breakup led to another project abandoned, the two joined forces with two more and a band was made. Struggles would continue. Their last album Distraction was all about struggle. Is it any wonder that You’ll Pay For This is a bit raw? Beyond the sticker price perhaps the listener will pay even more with their good conscious.

Good conscious aside, the Bear Hands record is a solidly satisfying collection. To borrow from the band in question, “Don’t care [how raw it is], it don’t make no difference to me.” Just listen to the singles, “2am” or “Marathon Man.” Either one could very well become your next head bobbing, heartbreaking wreckage. Take it from Bear Hands: you will pay for it, it’ll be a miracle if you last, but at least you can call up the doc to kill the pain.

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