Bear vs. shark: "if someone comes in with a riff or an idea we do not really attempt to analyze it.".

WITH MODERN MUSIC'S current focus of placing emphasis on the almighty dollar bill over artist development, words like "original" or "unique" are constantly bandied about in an effort to help hype the next "big thing." But, truth be told, how many current musicians or groups really are honestly unique? After all, isn't most music just an amalgam of the interests and influences of a given artist, with possibly some grains of new insight between the riffs and melodies harkening back to the familiar?

A lot of people--from the cynical to the ambitious--do tend to subscribe to this theory. At the same time just because a collection of songs isn't 100 percent original doesn't mean that there is no hope for continuing to push music forward. Want an example? Equal Vision's own Bear Versus Shark (BVS) exemplifies the blueprint of a band that draws from its collective influences (from the air-tight rhythms and grooves of Fugazi to the sweat-soaked soul of Marvin Gaye) but is still able to conjure up new landscapes while sailing atop well versed territory.

So, how has this group of Michigan natives been able to wade through the glossy, candy coated patterns that have currently entrusted both the mainstream and independent music scenes? According to vocalist/instrumentalist Marc Paffi, "We rely on our trust of each other as musicians and we really push each other to try new things. I think a lot of what is happening with current music trends is part of a cycle; almost like the New Kids on the Block type of boy-band thing from the 1980s. We try to steer clear of these trends. We've always wanted to create music that interested us and have a good time doing it."

Guitarist/bassist John Gaviglio echoes Paffi's sentiments, especially concerning Terrorhawk, his band's second full-length. "We never try and intentionally write a certain kind of song," Gaviglio admits. "All of us have very different musical backgrounds and interests, so if someone comes in with a rift or an idea we do not really attempt to analyze it or discuss it; we just flow with it and build on each other's ideas to come up with something different. And I think our fans like us for the fact that we are diverse in our sounds, which is really apparent on Terrorhawk."

The attitude that Gaviglio speaks of is what precisely helps make Terrorhawk a diverse listening experience. While BVS's first full-length, Right Now You're in the Best of Hands, was a refreshing, chaotic trip down post-hardcore highways, Terrorhawk combines the musicianship of the previous record with a take-no-shorts approach to creating complex arrangements and moods. How many bands would have the gumption to flow from a noise-infected, guitar-driven jam to a sparse piano and brass-fronted ballad? While a few might take a stab at this type of range, BVS is able to have success from every side of the sound spectrum without over-reaching or sounding forced.

"We don't necessarily try to go for this variety of tunes; it's just what happens when we get together to write a record," Paffi states. "We never want to limit ourselves to a certain type of sound. We'd rather try new things. Our experience writing this record has been the most fulfilling yet."

From creation to completion, Terrorhawk has been a refreshing journey for BVS. To get away from day-to-day distractions, the majority of the album was written in a secluded cabin in the northernmost peninsula of Michigan over a two-week excursion. While crazy times were had with crossbows and four-wheelers in tow, the time away gave BVS a chance to focus on the next stage of its evolution. "It really gave us a chance to hang out and get our minds off the daily grind, while also allowing us to really focus on the writing of the record," Paffi remembers. "I think the experience really helped us hone our writing and we're very happy with the results."

While the current emphasis on riding the gravy train all the way to Fort Knox has made the majority of record labels--both the majors and indies--more focused on Soundscans and sales charts rather than trying to nurture raw talent, it can often be hard for discriminating music fans to find groups to trust when it comes to delivering a dynamic musical experience.

"Our fans are loyal to us and don't care about whether we are wearing the 'right' clothes or have the 'right' look," Gaviglio exclaims. "They appreciate the amount of work we put into our songs and in our live show. I think hard work pays and definitely leaves you looking with some integrity."

And that integrity is the glue that holds BVS together. While the Pacific-sized ocean of clones currently mimic their way in hopes of derivative success (not to mention a future in the one hit wonder racks), BVS will continue to march ever forward to its own drumbeat--mood swings, tempo changes, originality and all.