“The New Era Of TBTB”
Written by Jesse James Smith
The Bunny The Bear has been a household name in the GKE community & the scene for YEARS. Having music stemming back to 2008, the band has had a lengthy career. This brings us to now, the end of 2024. The Bunny The Bear releases their new single ‘In The Feels’ and introduces Matthew Tybor’s wife Brooke as the new Bear. This marks and starts a new era for the band where they are taking a darker image and a more modern sound while still keeping true to themselves. Having known TBTB for a long time, I was truly blown away by this new track.
In The Feels starts off with this really cool synth melody but almost immediately kicks into a hard rock intro! This intro really sets the tone, and ai could point to this part alone to show the transition of the band into this new era. The drums sound fat, bass heavy, and the guitars are in the forefront leading the way in a remarkable mix. As Brooke makes her debut, it’s apparent that she is adding a new dynamic. Showing off range, it starts off kind of soothing. Her voice is incredible and it’s so easy and pleasing to listen to. TBTB has had great and in my opinion underrated singers in the past, but this feels different in the best way. Brooke takes off most of the song but Matt’s adlibs and layers are timeless and memorable, and there lies the TBTB glue that holds this new era and the old style together. It’s not only Brooke that makes this feel fresh. The music feels like a giant leap forward into modern metalcore / rock. A notable moment is the bridge out of the first chorus, absolutely smashes.
This feels like the first time TBTB came to play ball in the big leagues. They have always been doing things differently and have created their own sound because of it, but this is a giant step into the show. This song also features an insanely dark and powerful music video that shows this new darker era of the band. Because of the darker aesthetic, I was going to be quick to say “they’ve entered their villain era” but in reality, I think this is their heroic rise. Plus, those who know the lore behind Matt Tybor knows they’ve been in their villain era for quite some time. Which leads me to this.. don’t fuck with brooke, Especially not on stage in Chicago in front of Matt.