It s finally here: the newest release from We Versus the Shark. This release contains an EP featuring four unreleased tracks as well as a DVD that contains an entire live show and the making of Ruin Everything! This dual disc package combines the two-feature DVD We Wanted a New Government Not Odd Time Signatures - which contains a full live show from We Versus The Shark along with a home-movie style documentary of the band recording its debut album in 2004 - with a four-song EP. The live show is beautifully lit and shot from three camera angles, showcasing the band"s live presence succinctly and accurately. We Versus the Shark is an explosive and dynamic live act that never falls into the trap of being merely bombastic or gimmicky. If one watches both videos together the growth of the band is obvious and rewarding. The music on the EP of Bees EP is, at first listen, expected We Versus the Shark; contrary to the title of the DVD, it"s full of odd time signatures and a very real next step from the album Ruin Everything!. (It"s at this time we should declare a moratorium on the act of referring to We Versus the Shark as a math-rock band, at least in the way that term is traditionally meant. Math rock is a supremely macho, emotionally cold form of rock that has more to do with musical calisthenics than redefining rock and roll. We Versus the Shark has much more in common, philosophically and musically, with bands like The Minutemen or The Big Boys than, say, Don Caballero.) Below the sharp guitar attacks on EP of Bees is a deeply soulful sense of rhythm particularly on "We Versus the Inevitability of Death." Having guitarist Sam Paulsen take the lead vocals on "The Lament of Sue Richards" serves to illustrate what"s always been lovable about We Versus the Shark: the band has a clear understanding of the dynamics of tension and release. It"ll build a song up to a fever pitch and then have a melody that washes over the listener. The incorporation of more funk and R&B rhythms in these tunes than on previous records is a welcome change. And that"s really the gist of it. We Versus the Shark may play rock and roll and incorporate a million-and-one chords and notes, but it"s essentially a soul band. And a damn good one, too. Most of the time packages like this are a stopgap measure to tide listeners over until the next album. If that"s the case here, it"s a hell of a great place to take a breather. - Gordon Lamb (Flagpole)