I’ve been listening to Bear’s Den since their first couple EPs, eagerly awaiting their first full-length record. With Islands, the band doesn’t disappoint. (There’s also a deluxe version of the record featuring a bunch of live performances, but I don’t think it’s worth the extra time.)
These guys sound like Noah Gunderson if Gunderson decided to find a larger group he could rock with. Or if Gunderson decided to lead a Mumford & Sons sound-alike. But honestly, instead of listening to the horrible new Mumford record, you should just put this on instead for a similar vibe.
Bear’s Den has an incredible hint of soul and a depth to the group that sounds both like despair and Sunday morning worship. Almost every song is beautiful. Check out Isaac though. That’s a wicked tune. And I think the whole album sounds like that.
Bear’s Den are on track to become a hugely successful band if you ask me. (I honestly think they’d already be super popular if they had a better, less passive name.) Listen to this record as soon as you can.