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.
Entrance of the Elected
Bear vs. Shark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll be praying for days like the nuts and bolts
Like the uniforms that they wore in the civil war
And scratching your cat claws at the pavement
See you coming across the room
Like a walking weight like a cannon that's been fired.
Hey there operator don't you know you're trading cash for crows
I do declare said the governor let's get these people moving faster
I do declare said the father to his son we're not hurting anyone at all
On the beach in the garden on the playground when you started it up
Change your life into a postcard version of white snow or so
The story goes and the horse that you rode in on
Will be the horse that's taking you home
The lyrics of "Entrance of the Elected" by Bear Vs. Shark has a certain level of depth to them that deals with themes of war, power, and the human psyche. The opening lines "Maybe like a polecat like a cannon, you'll be praying for days like the nuts and bolts" seem to allude to the idea of war where people are being prepared for battle like machines, like nuts and bolts being tightened into place. The lines "Like the uniforms that they wore in the civil war, and scratching your cat claws at the pavement" further reinforce the idea of combat as it discusses the uniforms worn during the American Civil War, which was a significant turning point in the history of the United States.
The next few lines bring up the idea of power: "See you coming across the room, like a walking weight, like a cannon that's been fired". The lines seem to discuss the idea of a person being powerful and influential, like a walking weight, and once they move or speak, it's like a cannon has been fired. It's a metaphorical way of saying that their power is undeniable and can be destructive if used the wrong way.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the ways in which humans wield power and the impact it has on other people. The ideas discussed in the lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, and the song is a testament to the artistry of Bear Vs. Shark.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe like a polecat like a cannon
You may enter like a spirited, unstoppable force
You'll be praying for days like the nuts and bolts
You will be longing for moments of peace from the chaos
Like the uniforms that they wore in the civil war
You will be marked by history, like the soldiers' uniforms from a war
And scratching your cat claws at the pavement
You will fight desperately to hold your position, leaving marks on the ground
See you coming across the room
Others will notice your approach from afar
Like a walking weight like a cannon that's been fired.
You will be a force to be reckoned with, imposing and powerful.
Hey there operator don't you know you're trading cash for crows
Beware of making poor exchanges, of valuing things that are worthless
Hey there operator don't you know there's water on the bow
Watch out for imminent danger, for problems on the brink of happening.
I do declare said the governor let's get these people moving faster
The ones in charge demand action and progress from their subordinates
I do declare said the father to his son we're not hurting anyone at all
Others may object to your actions, but you know you are causing no harm.
On the beach in the garden on the playground when you started it up
Your influence extends to all aspects of life, creating an impact wherever you go
Change your life into a postcard version of white snow or so
Transform your reality into a perfect picture, a pristine and idyllic scene
The story goes and the horse that you rode in on
The legend tells that the same thing that brought you success will carry you back home.
Will be the horse that's taking you home
Your past experiences may define your future, and what started you off may bring you full circle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adam Humphrey
Love this whole album
Daniel ,dan' Thompson
"The only good expatriot is a dead one."
,dan'