The group initially sent a demo to Equal Vision Records and a representative from the label flew out immediately to sign the group. Since the release of Right Now You're in the Best of Hands..., the band has toured the United States extensively headlining & opening for other major acts such as Coheed and Cambria. The group quickly gained attention from fans and fellow musicians as well. The group is also known for their high-energy stage show most notably by Marc Paffi (Vocals), who is known to move around the stage frantically during performances. Most of the band members also switched playing instruments during their sets, which was a regular occasion. The group is named after the Chris Bachelder book and also the old hypothetical "who would win in a fight between a bear and a shark?" though it has also been circulated that the band's name comes from the shape of Michigan; colloquially, it is said to look like a bear fighting a shark.
On December 21, 2005 the band posted on their website that they decided to call it quits. Although the band didn't cite any specific reason for the break up John Gaviglio was featured in the December issue of Alternative Press where he did an op-ed piece on the hardships of touring extensively. The band has also been very vocal that they didn't like their touring conditions.
Members
* Marc Paffi – vocals, guitar, keyboards
* Derek Kiesgen – guitar, bass
* Mike Muldoon – guitar, bass, keyboards
* John Gaviglio – guitar, bass, vocals
* Ashley Horak – drums
Former members
* Brandon Moss – drums
* David "Spitsticks" – drums
Mike Muldoon and John Gaviglio together with help of Mark Maynard have started a new band project called Cannons, centralized in Brooklyn.
Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands... and Terrorhawk were released on vinyl by Friction Records, with Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands included two previously unreleased tracks, California Hot Seat (originally heard on the (1653 EP) and June 7. Also, a special picture disc version of Terrorhawk was released, with artwork by Jeff VandenBerg.
Marc Paffi recorded vocals for the song 1999 on the band If He Dies He Dies release Conquistador on Friction Records.
Marc Paffi, Mike Muldoon, and Brandon Moss have started a new band together called Champions of History.
Brandon Moss is also a member of the band Bars of Gold and Wildcatting. In addition to Wildcatting, Brandon Moss also plays horns in Don't Stand So Close To Me, a jazz/fusion ensemble that mixes solid hits from The Police.
John Gaviglio currently plays in Matthew Dear's Big Hands.
Marc Paffi is also lead singer of Bars Of Gold.
Campfire
Bear vs. Shark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is being eaten by the very structure
That we lean on
Love letters for bonfires
And campfire songs for city children
No where to run
Distance ourselves
Till the field
No where to run
You were never there
The oceanside
Is being torn down by the
Countless drops of blackness feeding
Filtration for the domestication of diseases
You'll lose your balance
On this rope
Broncos with cavalry bringing me home
The lyrics to Bear Vs. Shark's song "Campfire" are heavily metaphorical, describing the destruction of both the countryside and oceanside by the structures that we have built for ourselves. The first stanza speaks to the idea that our way of life, symbolized by love letters and campfire songs, is slowly destroying the natural world we depend on. The second stanza discusses the damage caused by pollution, specifically the "countless drops of blackness" that are causing disease and ruining the oceanside.
The chorus, which repeats twice, is especially powerful. It talks about the feeling of being trapped, with "nowhere to run" from the destruction around us. We try to distance ourselves from the problem, but ultimately we are all connected, whether through crops or pollution.
The final two lines of the song are open to interpretation, but the idea of "broncos with cavalry bringing me home" could be seen as a metaphor for returning to a simpler, more natural way of life. The image of the wild west, with horses and cowboys, contrasts sharply with the modern, industrialized world that is causing so much destruction.
Overall, "Campfire" is a song about the damage we are doing to the planet and the feeling of helplessness that can come with it. It is a powerful call to action, asking listeners to consider the impact of their actions and try to make a positive change for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
The countryside
The rural areas and natural beauty
Is being eaten by the very structure
The modern society and its infrastructure is destroying the peaceful countryside.
That we lean on
The progress and development are heavily dependent on the rural areas.
Love letters for bonfires
People burn love letters as a symbolic gesture and tradition while sitting around a bonfire.
And campfire songs for city children
City children find solace and joy in the simple life and songs around the campfire.
No where to run
The rapid pace of progress has left no place for those who seek simplicity and peace.
Distance ourselves
We try to detach ourselves from the ever-growing technological world and find our roots.
By the balanced crops of thought
We grow our own way of thinking and balance it with the technology we need to function.
Till the field
We work hard and nurture the soil of our mind and soul.
You were never there
The society and city fail to provide the real sense of belonging and warmth.
The oceanside
The beauty of the shoreline and sea
Is being torn down by the
The natural beauty is being destroyed
Countless drops of blackness feeding
Oil spills and pollution are destroying the ocean and threatening aquatic life.
Filtration for the domestication of diseases
The water we drink also threatens our health due to pollution and lack of proper filtration systems.
You'll lose your balance
The world around us is so unpredictable that we can easily lose balance if we don't stay cautious.
On this rope
Life is like a tightrope walk; we need to keep our balance and keep moving forward.
Broncos with cavalry bringing me home
The thought of returning home to our roots and leaving behind the chaos of the modern world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEX KENDALL SOMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The-Jaded
I love the post rock Input in this, but why does it dissolve the voice so much? Also, I'm left a bit sad that the "you lose your balance on this rope " part was cut entirely which to me is the best part of the song. Other than that, real great
J G
You talkin about the keys?