NOVEMBER 5, 1955

Listening to Boston "post-hardcore" (a term that seems to have sprouted many meanings) band NOVEMBER 5, 1955 and I immediately thought of groups from the heyday of the Dischord roster. The influences of Ian MacKaye's boundary-pushing hardcore label, not to mention his own band FUGAZI, are heard loud and clear on "Bears of the Sea". Who are these bears and why are they of the sea anyway?

Post-hardcore as it pertains to the music of NOVEMBER 5, 1955 is a musical form that is still based solidly in traditional HC aggression, but compositionally is of the angular, unpredictable, and not easily absorbed variety. With members that have done time in SLUTS, BURN YOUR WISHES, and PICTURES OF GABRIEL, NOVEMBER 5, 1955 does come up with a relatively interesting array of tracks. The music ebbs, flows, twists, and turns, as vocalist/guitarist Jason Mass delivers his passionate shout-singing in that familiar, semi-tuneful way. By the same token, drummer Paul Debenedictis rarely keeps a straight beat; his approach is equal parts colorful and tempestuous, whether playing through sections of light picking or rambunctious AT THE DRIVE IN segments. Rather than offering a selection of songs that provide one with immediate gratification or anything resembling conventional song structuring, "Bears of the Sea" requires multiple listens to fully appreciate. The musical textures are what I found most gratifying.

"Bears of the Sea" is certainly not for everyone, and I'd be lying if I said it is a style of music to which I listen often. I can however appreciate it and find more positives than negatives here, even it doesn't move me to tears or send me into a blind rage. Fans that like their hardcore non-traditional and experimental will probably get more enjoyment out of it.