So the time has finally come for the Bear Arms boys to officially release their first EP. I have to admit it’s been a long time coming as their loud and luscious record has forcefully and speedily become a staple part of several of my playlists.
Having seen them perform live, several times and in several different locations (including The Banshee Labyrinth last week, where they suitably rocked that little dungeon out of the ground) I know these songs, and I know how they fit into a set list.
But what I really enjoyed was sitting down this evening, coffee in hand and staring out into a dark and gloomy Buchanan Street, just listening to how this EP fits beautifully together, while still giving each song space to suitably shine.
Perfect Symmetry forcefully grabs you and passionately crashes you about. This song just emphasises how together this band are. The guitar line, the drums, the bass, the vocals; they’re all talented and perfected in their own way, but still manage to stand together strongly as a group.
Echoing and distorting into focus comes To Whom it May Concern. Not quite as forceful as Perfect Symmetry, but it gives the listener time to focus on the lyrics and vocals that just add to the Bear Arms package; not only can they play their instruments brilliantly and effortlessly, they can also write and perform vocals and harmonies that create a distinctively different sound to what is popular in the Scottish rock scene at the moment.
Wolves takes the tempo back up, with a rhythm that you can’t help but to nod along to. Loud and luscious I think covers its perfectly.
And then, Directions; the title song off of the EP. Take all of the positives that I’ve said about the last three songs, and bash them together- you’ll then get Directions. They showcase their talents perfectly, while still giving each element its own space to breath, giving the listener that little second to fully appreciate it before it moves onto the next.
The EP is everything that you’d want from a debut release. Strong, together and clearly derived from a whole lot of talent with equal amounts of passion.
With Perfect Symmetry on my running playlist, and Directions on my driving one, I’m excited to see where the songs off their next EP can be a theme tune for.
No comments:
Post a Comment