Those easily susceptible to vertigo or even seizures should not watch the music video for “The Reflection of You.” A few seconds of footage in and even the pause button cannot save you from the effects. The single is now forever associated with the blinding film sequences used to solidify Bear in Heaven’s place within the bottomless indie pit that is Brooklyn.
Following the growing number of alternative rock and electo-pop outfits, Bear in Heaven has traded in the rock ‘n’ roll staple for a synthesizer. While present on some tracks of I Love You, It’s Cool, the guitar is noticeably absent from “The Reflection of You.” This isn’t a recent development for the group, which has released new material off and on since 2003. As the LP is the third full-length studio production in that period, the band has taken their time and honed in on their specific sect of the indie world. They even had time for the elaborate marketing ploy of streaming the entire album online through their website prior to the April release. The catch: the LP was slowed down by 400,000 percent to produce a near constant drone. One listen took almost four months to complete.
Publicity stunts and fancy videos aside, this track is fun. The looping electronic effects keep your feet tapping as you attempt to concentrate on the nonstop percussion that drives your bobbing head. While they may haunt you after just one peek, strobe lights are not necessary to enjoy this dance-happy track, and Bear in Heaven continues to climb the ranks of electro royalty.