post by Kim Liao / photos by Cate Vitagliano
Take a walk downstairs at the Cantab Lounge on a Thursday night and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time: back when bars were dark and smoky, back before going to shows were red badges of coolness for hipsters, back when live music was raw and unpretentious. All of these things describe “Club Bohemia,” a series of concerts that feature local musicians in an intimate atmosphere that fosters shared community—and rocking out.
This past Thursday at Club Bohemia, Bear Motor brought the night to a close with their blues-edged rock and soulful sounds. They shared the evening with This Month in Black History, Grand Evolution, and Hope Roth. It was a long evening for a Thursday, but the fans were die-hard and willing to wait. One shouted at the end of the night, “You own this place—play one more! That’s why you came here.” Said drummer Matt Bozzone, “We really like playing with other bands. These guys really helped build a great energy tonight.”
And energy there was: from the first guitar riff of the first song, “Crazy Fool,” Bear Motor hit the stage running. Growling, even. In "Catch Me If You Can," the aptly-named band transformed familiar blues patterns, integrating contemporary rock and indie styles with a definite edge. Jared Miller’s throaty vocals soared, ranging from exuberant to mournful, and set the tone for each song. Bozzone on drums and Robby Candido on bass added to the synchronized, almost hypnotic energy of the band’s sound. And Eric Jones (a secret weapon, according to this Bostonist) kept a low profile on lead guitar until a few choice moments when he broke out some very impressive guitar solos.
Over the next few songs, the band really hit its stride, loosening up and showing some variety. Some of the best work on Thursday came in the quieter songs, when the guitar reverb lightened up and the delicate layers of harmony came through. “Cup of Tea” had a delightful mix of soulful lyrics, catchy bass lines, and restraint, which provided a nice contrast from some of the harder songs. Since the band is evolving, certain songs feel raw around the edges—but are still always interesting and ambitious.
All in all, Bear Motor was quite a treat to watch because they believe so adamantly in their music and have crafted a musical voice that is uniquely theirs. Within the last few months, they have released a new EP called Oil & Honey and played numerous shows around the Boston area, building a devoted fan base with each gig. Says enthusiastic fan Josh, “They revamp classic rock with a twist. It catches you off guard.”
Bostonist caught up with frontman Miller after the show, who admitted the band is still new to the touring scene. But that freshness may be an advantage, attitude-wise: “We just want to create an experience where people can feel free and can get up and move—we’re not holding anything back. So come on down and have some fun.”
Check out Bear Motor’s next Boston show at The Midway on July 29, or listen to them on MySpace.
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