With the 20th anniversary reissue of Menos el Oso arriving August 22 via Suicide Squeeze Records, Minus the Bear have released “The Pig War (Demo),” a previously unreleased early version of one of the album’s most emotionally resonant tracks. The demo is one of five included on the deluxe 2xLP reissue, which also features a remastered version of the original record and a 24-page photo archive zine titled Los Archivos Del Oso.
Originally released in 2005, Menos el Oso helped define Minus the Bear’s sound, melding technical guitar work, irregular time signatures, and electronic textures into a distinctly early-2000s blend of indie and math rock. “The Pig War” stood out on the original tracklist for its dynamic shifts and melodic weight, and this demo highlights how the song evolved in the band’s early writing stages. It’s stripped down, but still detailed, offering fans a closer look at the band’s process and musical DNA.
Along with the reissue, the band has announced a full U.S. tour for this fall, where they’ll perform Menos el Oso in its entirety. Supporting acts vary by city and include both longtime collaborators and newer artists. Tickets are still available, with a full list of dates on the band’s official site.
Though Minus the Bear disbanded in 2018 following their Fair Enough EP and farewell tour, the continued interest in their catalog speaks to the staying power of their work. “The Pig War (Demo)” is a rare behind-the-scenes listen for longtime fans and a reminder of the detailed, genre-bending approach that made the band stand out across their 17-year run.
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