Part Bear
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Part Bear

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"The Buzz"

Since Part Bear's formation in 2006, the band has expanded their repertoire with sounds ranging from swung pop to hard classic rock. Continuing to evolve, they capture a sound that is very melodic while retaining a rawness that will scrape at your ears. This is definitely a band to watch out for. - Buzznote Magazine, NYC


"The Ruler"

Part Bear is a three piece with a huge sound... their name comes from the harshness and rawness of their music mixed with some softer notes: it is actually "part bear." They have a very East Coast sound and also a touch of Southern rock thrown in. I've listened to some of their live stuff and it sounds like they pretty much just freak out on stage. But the whole time they manage to maintain a very tight sound. - The Ruler of Nations, San Diego


"Part Bear, All Rock"

Local three-piece rock band Part Bear plays heavy melodic tunes tonight while putting on wild shows worthy of its name. "The name Part Bear is a reference to our music … and I'm hairy," said singer and guitarist Gray Griggs, who founded the band over a year ago. Hairiness aside, these guys frequently filled venues around town last year, but after disappearing for a while after Athfest, they are back in business tonight at Go Bar. "Some form of Part Bear has been together for about a year and a half," said Griggs. "Robin has only been playing with us for roughly six months, though. It's a long story." The band comprises of Griggs, Robin Cofer on bass and Will Begnaud on drums . Both Cofer and Begnaud also sing harmony.
"We are a good ole' rock band … nothing too fancy," said Griggs. "We're just in it to win it."
Part Bear may be classified as rock, but is promiscuous when it comes to genre. "Our songs vary from heavy blues to raspy pop with some feedback in the middle," he said. "We try and stretch the music into something it wasn't when it started. We really flesh things out on and off stage." Either way, Griggs claims Part Bear plays good music (or, at least he hopes). "I started playing music when I was eleven or so, but I was just tinkering around then, really," he said. "I didn't get serious about music until five years ago." Without specific influences, Part Bear's unique sound is justified. "We listen to everything, really. We're just big fans of music all-around. We don't necessarily have direct influences, but if it feels right, we're with it," said Griggs. Part Bear joins local band Walcott and Parachute Musical (of Nashville) tonight. "Both of these bands are unreal," he said. "Walcott has a cool and unique take on songwriting and their performances are always entertaining, while Parachute Musical is equally talented musically and they put on a lively show as well." Part Bear has never played at Go Bar before, so tonight's show provides a unique setting for new and old fans alike. "I love this band," said Anthony Baez, a senior from Athens. "They are honestly one of my favorites. They have such a diverse sound, it's hard to classify them. All of their music flows together very well." Baez is not only a local fan in Athens; he travels to see Part Bear. "Anthony brought 15 people to our Clemson show this past weekend," said Griggs. It was so cool because it was supposed to be a small show, but he shows up in SUVs full of people." Fans don't have to trek 80 miles to see Part Bear tonight, though; only a few blocks for this three-piece. "I have been to five shows and enjoyed all of them," said Baez. "Part Bear always performs well and has such a positive attitude along with a great sound. They always play with such energy, it's hard to not get into it."

- Red & Black, Athens


Discography

Velvet EP

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Bio

In 2006, Gray Griggs met up with Will Begnaud, drummer for Rhythm Token. Begnaud, who had played with a mixture of local bands, and Griggs who had previously played everything from jazz to singer/songwriter, hit it off after playing together. What seemed like an unlikely pair became the band Part Bear. In the summer of 2007, Robin Cofer, a scene vet who had played for various other local bands, completed the three piece on bass just in time to play with The Marshall Tucker Band at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Ga.

Since then, Part Bear has played around the Southeast and has gained a devoted following. Their sound can't be pigeonholed into any particular genre, but never fails to overwhelm venues with what Griggs calls, "just straight rock." They draw from an eclectic source of influences old and new, raw and polished, hectic and easy-going. Whatever they sound like, their shows are always entertaining from Cofer's wild crowd interaction to their infectious beat that makes even the most reserved concert-goer move their feet.