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.
Victoria Iceberg
Bear vs. Shark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A moment of panic from when I came out
This is a fraction a piece of the truth
A justified action for reason of proof
Come out if you want to
Step into the light
Come out with your backtalk
Sucking those nickels and dime
Eating those nickels and dimes
I waited all day, like I was a rise
For these simple words to come out in full
I said, for these operations to cast city street
Come out if you want to cause kids you are...
Literal
Somewhere little train yards, they're forming in lines
For people to see water, they're making the time
What our teeth is for, and heavy watch the storm
We got divided, we bolstered supplies
We're hard masters, we bolstered supplies
What our teeth is for, and heavy watch the storm
We've got friends.
We got really good friends,
We got really good friends,
We're gonna get you for it!
We've got friends.
We got really good friends,
Gonna stretch your skin out.
We've got friends.
We got really good friends,
We got really good friends,
We're gonna get you for it!
We've got friends.
We got really good friends,
Gonna stretch your skin out,
Stretch your skin out!
He was the first one on his kness.
The first one in the home
The first one to lay down and walk
And heavy were his wings
A jackle wears the steel
Cows in the garden, passenger
When that band took flight
Went swimming with the kids that night.
The lyrics of Bear Vs. Shark's Victoria Iceberg are quite cryptic and open to interpretation. It starts off with "A quicksilver tiger through shopping carts. A moment of panic from when I came out." This could be a reference to feeling trapped or claustrophobic in a crowded place. The next lines can be seen as a call to action, telling the listener to come out into the light with their opinions and thoughts, even if they're controversial. The line "Sucking those nickels and dime, Eating those nickels and dimes" could potentially mean that people are caught up in consumerism and materialism, sacrificing their own well-being for the sake of consumer goods.
The song's chorus urges the listener to "Come out if you want to cause kids you are literal" which could be interpreted as a call for honesty and authenticity. The metaphorical use of "kids" might mean that being honest is an essential part of growing up, or that we need to come out of our shells and be true to ourselves despite the fear of rejection or ridicule.
The latter half of the song talks about division and survival, using phrases like "bolstered supplies" and "hard masters". It's possible this is a commentary on the power dynamics in society, with some groups hoarding resources and others struggling to get by. The final lines about swimming with the kids and flying with a band could be a moment of hope or escape, a reminder that there are still moments of joy and connection despite the difficulties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
A quicksilver tiger through shopping carts.
Moving quickly like a tiger through the obstacles of shopping carts.
A moment of panic from when I came out
Feeling panicked after confronting something difficult.
This is a fraction a piece of the truth
This is only a small part of the truth.
A justified action for reason of proof
A necessary action taken to provide proof or evidence.
Come out if you want to
Invite to come out into the open.
Step into the light
Make oneself visible or known.
Come out with your backtalk
Speak honestly and share one's true opinions.
Cause talk is all
Communication is key.
Sucking those nickels and dime
Struggling to make ends meet.
Eating those nickels and dimes
Working hard to earn a living.
I waited all day, like I was a rise
Waiting for something all day long, like a flower blooming.
For these simple words to come out in full
Hoping to hear words that are easy to understand, spoken fully.
I said, for these operations to cast city street
Mentioning the need for certain actions to be taken before things can move forward.
Come out if you want to cause kids you are...
Encouraging someone to be honest and true to themselves.
Somewhere little train yards, they're forming in lines
Trains are lining up at the train yards somewhere.
For people to see water, they're making the time
People are taking time to see the water.
What our teeth is for, and heavy watch the storm
Our teeth are used to bite and chew, but when a storm comes, we need to be prepared.
We got divided, we bolstered supplies
We separated and gathered supplies to prepare for a difficult situation.
We're hard masters, we bolstered supplies
We are not easily broken and are able to gather the supplies we need to survive.
We've got friends.
We have allies and support.
We got really good friends,
Our allies are trustworthy and dependable.
We're gonna get you for it!
We will hold people accountable for their actions.
Gonna stretch your skin out.
Metaphorical warning that someone will be punished for their actions.
He was the first one on his kness.
He was the first to submit or show vulnerability.
The first one in the home
The first to arrive or settle down.
The first one to lay down and walk
The first to humble oneself and move forward.
And heavy were his wings
Feeling weighed down with burdens or responsibilities.
A jackle wears the steel
Comparing someone to a jackal, who is cunning and manipulative.
Cows in the garden, passenger
Unexpected things happening, often causing confusion or chaos.
When that band took flight
When that group of people left or departed.
Went swimming with the kids that night.
Spent time with younger people and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Contributed by Savannah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joshua Smith
Bars of Gold, Wildcatting are two other bands from different members of BVS after they were done with that project.
N. Middlebrook
BvS why have you gone away? We need you so, please do not go....