On an anticipation scale of 1-10, the tag “ex-Bear Vs. Shark” registers somewhere around the 17 mark. Bars of Gold have big boots to fill, and thankfully, it’s an absolute monster.
Don’t for a second think it’s Bear Vs. Shark II though – Marc Paffi’s signature howls are present and the lyrics as a virile as ever, but the approach is a massive departure.
‘Of Gold’ is a soulful punk record with much to please the curious and the newcomer – and though there’s some moments reminiscent of previous bands, it’s uplifting where they were previously dark, and dips heavily into gospel and blues roots.
It’s brutally honest (which you would expect from Paffi), but not overbearing, and gets from synth-peppered opener ‘Boss Level’ to closer ‘Cannibals’ in no time at all. It’s initially unsettling and only really starts making sense after a few listens, but once what the band are going for clicks, then it becomes more and more and more rewarding with each listen.
This won’t be something that fans of Bear Vs. Shark will automatically like, and newcomers may have a few troubles connecting as it’s a bit off-kilter, but once you scratch the surface, there’s something here for everyone.