The two-piece band out of New York is composed of Adam Roddick (vocals and drums) and Dan Lawley (guitar). The band has recently released their new EP entitled Bear Island on Merrifield Records, the new label of Mike Hinderts who some might know for being the bassist of The Bravery.

The band describes their music as ‘pop songs that are probably more rock’ and as ‘rock songs that are probably more pop.’ The band also says that their music is a vehicle which wants to go to a place named ‘Bear Island.’

This post will focus on the band’s new release which is Bear Island. The review of this album can be found below:

Album Review: Bear Island

The 13-minute-long effort begins with Summerstills, a track marked by the sweeping guitar sound. I did find this track to be pretty good. Next comes the first of the album’s two standouts, Lucy Takes The Dare. What makes the track very likable are the pulsating drum beat present and the clever intro which builds slowly. The third track, Wolf, ends up as Bear Island‘s second standout track. The change in pace is noticeable in the track. Another thing that made the track great is the overall sound – it is clearly something polished and should be appreciated big time by people who simply love great jams.

Repeater still sports the drums that have been remarkable all throughout the short album though the overall sound that the track had did not please me that much. The album closer, which also turns out to be the album track, ends the album on a great note. The band slows things down with Bear Island (the track) and it works. I do consider the track as the short EP’s ‘hidden gem.’ I hope the band tries to do more stuff like the closing track. They sound better with slow stuff in my opinion.

Ultimately, Bear Island is a solid record. It is definitely one of the best indie records that I have ever heard, no doubt. This band hopefully can achieve great things and they should just keep on doing what they are doing. The band wanted to reach ‘Bear Island’ with their music as their vehicle and boy, they surely have reached their destination.

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Note: Merrifield Records will be having a SXSW showcase this year. It’s going to be March 20th, 4pm-10pm at The Tiniest Bar In Texas, featuring The Young Jaguars, The Growlers, Thee Lexington Arrows, The Royal Chains, The Safes, Nikki And The Weeps, and The Danvilles feat.Ihsan Bilal. Please attend if you do have the time.