Los Angeles – Once in a while someone is fortunate to experience a sound that truly resonates in more ways than one. Islands, the debut record out this week on Communion Records from the London-based trio Bear’s Den, is one of those records that fits that mold. Bear’s Den is a byproduct of the London music scene, where Mumford & Sons came before them. In fact, the label that signed Bear’s Den was co-founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons. With a DIY approach ever since forming in 2012, Andrew Davie (lead vocals, guitar), Joey Haynes (vocals, banjo) and Kevin Jones (vocals, drums) have found success with two favorable EPs in the past two years.

Bear’s Den specializes in in-depth storytelling that’s covered in striking pop-folk melodies. Islands is a multi-faceted folk exertion that ponders the demands of love and life. It’s a small, not too boisterous album with tremendous heart and soul. Every word and every note arrives with a strong heartbeat that’s distinctive to Bear Den’s panache. The road of folk pop is densely populated, however, Bear’s Den’s inimitable passion could lead them straight to the front of the line.

“Agape,” which shares the title of their 2013 EP, kicks off this record with delicacy and warmth. Featuring a banjo, “Agape” is a visible portrait of losing the one you love. Davis painstakingly recites the line, “I know that, I don’t wanna know who I am without you.” It’s a universal sentiment for many broken-hearted lovers. Succeeding track, “The Love We Stole,” is another lovesick tune that translates ever so beautifully. With a simple strumming of the guitar, “The Love We Stole,” shortly transpires into a congenial arrangement. “Hey love can’t you hear me calling; Hey love, things keep falling; The love that we stole, The love that we stole” is sung and executed earnestly and patiently. Tranquility and reflectiveness prominently comes to mind with “Think of England,” a genuine highlight from Islands. “When You Break” steers away from the folk consistency with some pleasant, modest spacey snyth work intermittently placed throughout the track. It ultimately bursts apart in the final stretch showcasing Bear’s Den aptitude to live and breathe beyond the confinement of acoustic guitars.

“Stubborn Beast” is a similitude of something found off a Bon Iver record. Needless to say, it’s beguiling and immensely poignant. Once again, Bear’s Den displays a raw talent for imaginative storytelling alongside a solid skillset for individual instruments. The record may not be as epic in scope as something Mumford & Sons have produced within their young career. However, the richness and authenticity found within the record’s all-encompassing echo is certainly praiseworthy on numerous levels. With a resemblance to Mumford & Sons, Snow Patrol, and even early Bon Iver, the comparisons should only be deemed as sincere compliments. The UK triad demonstrate a great deal of potential in weaving through the folk pack as innovators and not imitators. Perhaps the time to readily take notice of that will be here sooner than later. Until then, Islands stands as a momentous album that is capable of projecting equanimity and finesse within the spectrum of ten commendable songs that aspires to shed light where darkness may inhabit.

For more information about the band’s upcoming tour that starts this week in Philadelphia, check out the Bear’s Den Facebook page.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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