Beware The Bear ft Sean Smith - We Will Survive (EP)

Buy-stream We Will Survive (EP) here

Ah, looking at the cover art for Beware The Bear (featuring Sean Smith)'s new EP makes me long for the good old days when you could go down to the beach with your pals from multiple different households. It seems so odd to romanticise such a simple pleasure but these are the times we are in - and We Will Survive is the soundtrack to our renaissance. The five songs are a reflection of the society around us, draped in lush musical soundscapes and driven by insightful lyrics & inspired vocals from Sean. Each song holds a mirror to our own experiences, reflecting them back at us. Such personal song craft ensures the listener feels intimately equated with the words flowing through their headphones. The contagious hooks mean you'll be singing the songs for days. The EP is a testament to BTB's prowess as gifted musicians and lyricists yet also shines a light on what an expressive vocalist Mr Smith is. It is an indie-pop marriage made in heaven...

• Wishing On The Water ~ the EP opens with the recent single; a triumphant gem that feels like a modern take on D:Ream (if performed by Jesus Jones). With lyrics all about celebrating what you have in the here and now, it is a joyous vibe which is accentuated by the textured instrumental, all glorious piano riffs, muted horns and a sizzling percussive groove. Sean sounds in his absolute element, euphorically belting out the words with melodic ease. The whole thing is a musical snack, but lets give props to Mr Smith's Oasis-esque delivery of "I was no animal" in verse one - then immerse ourselves back into the ebullient chorus.
• Come Away With Me ~ this simmering percussive groove demonstrates how effective a prominent drum rhythm can be in the world of pop music. Alongside enticing guitar, these instruments coalesce to be as essential as the words to this future hit. Sean sings his melodic invitation to through caution to the wind and embrace the frisson of excitement & possibility you get when in the wild throes of love. The score ebbs and flows, knowing when to crescendo into a frenzy of emotion but wisely acknowledging when to step back and let the power of Sean's voice propel the words. Send this to NME as a white label single and they would hail it as single of the week. Its Smash Hits via Melody Maker - a thoroughly intoxicating siren's song.
• We Will Survive ~ the title track and new single is ostensibly a musical tale in two parts. The intimate sharing in the verses is set to a textured wall of instrumental sound. Sean's voice is warm and heartfelt, sharing his thoughts whilst ably conveying a contagious sense of optimism. Part two comes through that explosive chorus - a crescendo in the music builds a wave of textured sound which washes over you; a ridiculously catchy riff of "we will survive" with added convivial "yeah yeah yeah yeah" that sound like they were meant to be sung back to the artists at full, enthusiastic volume by festival goers up and down the land.
• Show Me Love ~ one of the finest yet most undiscovered pop songs of 2019 still sounds radiant 18 months later. Proudly wearing influences on their sleeves yet channelling through their own prism of sound is one of the joys of Beware The Bear - and this is pure Deacon Blue with a dance beat. The lower register of Sean's voice creates a more reflective atmosphere, enhancing the sense of wonderment in the words. The band are in symbiotic harmony with him as the groove gradually crescendos before exploding in the pop odyssey that is the chorus. Here, Sean's voice and the band's performance soars past 7th heaven on the way to cloud nine, an impassioned plea for reciprocal emotion that is a burning desire within us all.
• Can't Change Who You Love ~ Vanessa Williams was right - it is wise to save the best for last; quite the compliment on an EP that already feels like Side A of a greatest hits compilation. This exquisitely composed ballad could be about a Romeo and Juliet style love but equally feels particularly relevant to the LGBTQ+ community - a love letter to how the world's greatest emotion doesn't dictate who you fall for and how no-one should be demonised for it. A sweeping piano accompaniment entwines with elegant strings and a pulsing beat, all buoying what has quickly become my favourite Sean Smith vocal to date. He's achingly tender yet boldly supportive and the band join him for every impassioned sentiment. Just close your eyes, let the music wash over you and tell everyone you've ever met about the song.