In Remembrance: Bear vs Shark
Bear Vs. Shark may have been short-lived, but at least they went about living the right way.
In 2002, then first time author Chris Bachelder published a soon-to-be cult classic. This book was Bear v. Shark, a satirical story of America in the not-too-distant future where Las Vegas is its own sovereign nation, televisions no longer turn off and the world is obsessed with the single burning question, “Given a relatively level playing field -- i.e., water deep enough so that a Shark could maneuver proficiently, but shallow enough so that a Bear could stand and operate with its characteristic dexterity -- who would win in a fight between a Bear and a Shark?” This book, however, has nothing to do with the prolific post-hardcore band Bear Vs. Shark, that shares its namesake with the novel.
Bear Vs. Shark formed in 2001 in Highland Michigan and remained active until their eventual break up in late 2005. Loved by many for their erratic live show, musical intensity and perhaps most notably to vocal stylings of Marc Paffi. They spent much of their existence extensively touring the US, which they repeatedly claimed in interviews wasn’t one of their favorite things, and eventually played a factor in their breakup.
The band was said to have picked their band name as an observation of what the state of Michigan, their home state, looked like, “We just thought it was super badass and sounded interesting. It's pretty memorable too.” Within several months of their forming they completed the self-released EP 1653, which helped them secure a spot on the Equal Vision roster. “We sent out like, eight copies [of 1653] to labels that we wanted to work with. They were the only ones that responded...uh...favorably? So they flew out to Michigan and saw us play a show at a skate park in front of eight kids and they immediately signed up.”
After their signing with Equal Vision, BVS began touring nationally with several of the labels more popular bands, and before their breakup they would tour with the likes of, The Fall of Troy, Coheed and Cambria and Fear Before The March Of Flames. In 2003 the band released their first full-length under Equal Vision. Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands. And If Something Isn't Quite Right, Your Doctor Will Know in a Hurry, which included several songs off their past EP, received favorable reviews and was praised for its unique and aggressive sound.
They spent the next year and a half almost constantly on the road. During that time, the band’s longtime friend, Ashley Horak, replaced original drummer Brandon Moss. In early 2005 the band teamed up with producer Matt Ellard, who had previously worked on albums with Converge, Fear Before The March Of Flames and Jane’s Addiction.
Their 2005 release, Terrorhawk, received rave reviews, even receiving a perfect score from Alternative Press, and was much more anticipated due to the band’s growing following. However, things would not continue so beautifully for very long. A scant six months after the Terrorhawk’s release the band left a post on their website saying they would be calling it quits immediately. They gave no direct reasoning for their decision.
Since the disbandment many of Bear Vs. Shark’s former members have gone on to start new projects. Mike Muldoon and John Gaviglio went on to form the band Cannons, but they don’t seem to be active anymore. Marc Paffi, Mike Muldoon, and original drummer Brandon Moss later started a new band called Champions of History, although, they too, appear to be inactive now as well. However, Marc Paffi and Brandon Moss are both currently involved in Bars Of Gold, who appear to be in the process of recording an album.
Posted by Andrew Scott on Jul 31, 2009 @ 10:00 am