Among them were Minus the Bear, a phoenix band rising from the ashes of beloved Seattle hardcore heavy hitters Botch. The release of Menos el Oso, Minus the Bear’s second studio album, in August 2005 perfectly crystallizes this moment of Seattle’s sophisticated sleaze before a single note is ever played. Bassist and founding member—and one of three original members still in the band—Cory Murchy told the Mercury the most important aspect of his songwriting contributions to Menos el Oso were knowing when not to play. Minus the Bear start their Menos el Oso 20th Anniversary Tour with a sold out show at Roseland Theater on October 4 with Portland band Kennebec. Preorders for the Menos el Oso anniversary edition are available as a digital download, compact disc, and vinyl LP from the band’s Bandcamp.