Punk outfit Tied to a Bear is an all-star assemblage of the Boston underground's best. Their roster features members from melodic punks, Choke Up and Landmines, as well as stalwart songwriters Matt Murphy and Jeff Rowe. Their wide breadth of influences assemble in full-force with their second album, True Places. This LP is the band's first collaboration with Gunner Records of Bremen, Germany. The album was recorded by Ryan Stack at Format Audio in Massachusetts. These 12 songs deliver a powerful blast of energetic punk tempered with lyrics of mature reflection. The LP showcases four musicians at the height of their powers, featuring tight arrangements and plenty of anthematic, sing-along action sweetened with great harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. TTAB also makes the most of all its members' talents by sharing the vocal duties across the band, and the record is all the stronger for it.