Rivmixx Rated

Angry Vs The Bear – Inspirational Pop Power

Wed, Mar 10 2010

Written by:Roisin Kiernan

This Essex-based quartet just have to be the best thing to have come out of the area since, well, ever really. Blending a fizzing, '80s electro-type flavour they're driven by the distinct yet varied vocals of singer Mitzi Fox. A singer who can vary her voice to sound like Kate Bush, Kate Nash and Katie White, of The Ting Tings, all within a few minutes. Couple that with production work from the U2, Gwen Stefani-associated Simon Gogerly, and you just know you're onto a winner. They're also the only band who seem to be able to get the irony across perfectly when they go 'Ooha Ooha'. Definitely one to check out!

Who are you and where are you from?

“We are Angry Vs The Bear from Essex. Angry Vs the Bear are Mitzi Fox, Darren Barker, Patrick Monahan and Ross Farley. “

What have you done?

“We've spent a lot of time writing last year and recording with a great producer called Simon Gogerly. We did some really good shows too, with the likes of Florence and The Machine, Reverend and The Makers, The Hoosiers to name a few, which was good. After about seven months of been locked up in our studio, we're now looking to have a good time and looking forward to our first tour. We're also returning to SXSW festival, Austin, Texas to showcase for the second year running and we're currently on a UK tour promoting our debut single 'Show Emotion'.

What inspires you?

“All sorts really, everything from living an unconventional life to doing what we love, such as visiting new places, meeting new people, seeing other emerging bands and artists. A lot of our inspiration comes from trying to be a bit different. Inspiration comes out of just trying to think of something that hasn't been done before. It's really difficult to be something new! We also get inspired by bands who have beaten the odds, and proved that you've got to give it your best shot. That's really inspirational.”

What makes you stand out?

“I'm sure we're meant to answer this with either clothing or hairstyles! I think we stand out for different reasons each day. We all like to compete amongst each other, and quite often it results in some extreme fashion! But deep down, we like to think its the sound we create, especially when playing live that gives us the edge.”

Where are you going?

“At the moment, we're just happy to be doing some tour dates and getting a single out. Really looking forward to SXSW - we made lots of friends out there last year and are really looking forward to catching up with them.”