Bears From Labrador : 'El Cantar De Mio Cid'
Released: Out Now!!!
Label: Here Rhymes With Zero
Bears From Labrador. What a name. Just with that name alone the band are sure to gain a fair slice of attention. Yet these three English gentlemen deserve attention for more than just a quirky title. Despite being strictly home grown talent, EP “El Cantar De Mio Cid” brings a foreign flavour in both name and content. Named after the oldest surviving Spanish epic poem, the band have incorporated influences both local and exotic into an EP that impresses on many levels.
What is perhaps most surprising is the level of variety that Bears From Labrador have in their armoury. Opener “Cut It Down” is a straightforward rock n roll affair, simple in premise and in execution. Gritty guitaring with subtle Kasabian – like tones support a fairly generic melody, complete with “whoahs” and wails. Vocally it is fairly understated, not exhibiting any great extravagance yet remaining solid. For an opening track it is all right, but little more, raising serious doubts over the longevity of the remaining three tracks.
Yet beautiful ballad “Me And Bella Starr” quashes these in an instant, it's dramatic tone and epic story line captivating from start to finish. Laying heavily on the Spanish influence, heavily strummed guitars massage the melody perfectly, allowing the vocals to remain centre of attention. The use of muted trumpets completes the ensemble perfectly, lending an air of grandeur to an already fantastic track.
And so the individuality continues, with each of the remaining two tracks being thoroughly unique, yet with recognisable tweaks. “Cruel As The Wind” is once again all strings and slow build up, with sustained keyboard and some wonderful vocal harmonies to prevent it falling into the standard ballad box. In stark contrast, “Love” bounces along with a jaunty melody and subtle trumpets, marking a drastic change of pace. Such a rich brass tone is a joy to hear, with many acts forgetting the power a well placed brass instrument can still have. Yet it's excellent example throughout the EP is a welcome reminder.
Such variety is rare on a four track EP, and certainly with such ingenuity and careful creation at that. Whilst the rockier side of BFL may be slightly less desirable than the more refined country ballads, it still shows what versatility the three men are capable of. To put it plain and simply, given a bit of refinement and more of the same, Bears From Labrador will charm a lot of people.
Words: Dan Grose
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