Bears is a band that could have easily come from Palo Alto rather than Cleveland.
They are a nerdy looking bunch and a few of the songs sound as if they were recorded in the back room of a party, similar to The Boston Tea Party’s Cold Weather, 40 Minutes and Beer sessions. But, nowadays, who doesn’t like nerds playing music? I know I do.
Their single, 11am, gives a glimpse of the multi-layered sound Bears seem to have mastered. The echoey, Jim Noir-esque, vocals and simple folk-rocksy Bishop Allen melodies make Greater Lakes a chameleon wrapped in gorgeous album art, constantly shifting strategies in a concerted attempt to break onto your living room stereo. Well, take it easy Bears, you don’t have to break in.. if you are ever in Cambridge, we will gladly open the door.
The album, Greater Lakes, is available pre-order (official release is February 14th, Valentines Day) and Kate Pugsley’s midwestern folk art is available at her Etsy storefront.
[itunes id=”289133004″] Amazon
Go Bears! – “More Left Out” reminds me that the basic musical formula is still an awesome way to write songs.