Play 90 second soundbite of 'Places On The Side' @ 'CD quality'
- a beautifully pop charged work featuring light airy voices set against big guitar chords and intricate keys all driven by a rhythm section that lays down a solid and elegant backdrop. Six become one and hey, one isn't a lonely number any longer as Bear Lake pull out all the stops to create this exquisitely 'together' album and display total harmony and perfect symmetry.
Bear Lake make a massively commercial 'noise'; their songs are bright sounding and welcoming and yet there's a rockingly persuasive undercurrent that suggests Bear Lake could let rip at any moment. Similar in musical make-up to Snow Patrol and with a touch of Keane and just a hint of Mercury Rev, Bear Lake have that special, hard to identify, 'something' that will appeal to not just the pure popsters out there but also the more discerning, progressive ear. Well written, intelligent songs form the nicely flexible backbone of this outfit; plenty of tempo variations and mood changes ensure 'Places On The Side' retains fluidity and emotion whilst also emanating near-tangible passion and energy. Superbly crafted and expertly mixed, the finished product is just about as close to perfection as it gets.
With melodies that soar, swell, decay and cascade, 'Places On The Side' is both melodic and dynamic and I get a distinct feeling of total band commitment and unity here; there are no egos vying for prominence, no-one trying to be the 'star' turn, it's all beautifully 'orchestrated' and wonderfully well thought out. Bear Lake mix it up pretty well too; acoustic guitars are allowed just as much room to add expression and poise as are the 'wired' variety. Bear Lake's overall feel is ezy and yet they pack quite a punch when required to do so making 'Places On The Side' a damn compelling and pretty unputdownable work.
'Places On The Side' by Bear Lake has quality stamped all over it and with six in the band I feel that everything here should be totally reproducible in the live scenario - there are no obvious 'gimmicks' or digital tom-foolery that are studio specific and for that alone Bear Lake should be commended. 'Places On The Side' by Bear Lake rocks as it enchants; great modern-day pop-rock music, it's superbly conceived and magnificently executed - holding within its grasp several tracks that would work as stand-alone singles, 'Places On The Side' offers Bear Lake fantastic commercial potential. Pretty special stuff this from a great sounding outfit - have a looksee, it's hard to dislike and even harder to ignore - you won't be disappointed!!
|
|
