Bear Cavalry – Maple Trails

By RingMaster Review on January 7, 2012 • ( 0 )

Bear Cavalry upon evidence of the mesmeric and uplifting tracks that comprise their new EP Maple Trails, are a band that knows how to weave and conjure sounds to engage and pleasure the senses without taking obvious avenue and using predictable foolery. Instead the UK ‘popsters’ blend varied and powerful essences into an indie pop creation that caresses and dances within the ear to enthused and hypnotic effect.

From Gosport the quartet of Louis Pinder, Matthew Cooke, Owen Ballantyne, and Dan Kirk delight the senses with surprising and inspired combinations of flowing sounds and irrepressible rhythms wrapped in infectious melodies and emotive tones. They have already enjoyed a surge of interest not only from fans but the likes of Edith Bowman, Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw plus Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music and grabbed the attention of Kissy Sellout who did a Kissy Klub version of the band’s ‘Custom Hands’. As the opening track on the EP, ‘Roman Summer’ unfolds it is easily apparent why they have earned and inspired such attention, their music undeniably and pleasantly persuasive verging on wickedly corruptive.

The track and single from the release is an eager and boisterous play of vibrant warm melodies, energetic staccato guitars, and expressive well formed vocals. As the guitars expose their teasing party the song reminds of the irresistible and beckoning sounds of 80’s band Haircut 100, the thoughtful fluid harmonies swaying with instinctive charm.

Previously mentioned ‘Custom Hands’ takes a slightly serious stance before unveiling sunshine fuelled brass, impressive rhythms patterns, and afro/Caribbean chants and melodies. It is a party within the ear and deeper and swift undeniable proof of the band’s unique musical vision. Everything flows as if it has always been a union, the mix of unique styles and influences naturally ecstatic alongside each other, the band’s songwriting complex yet easily accessible.

‘Will Smith Solves the Rubik’s Cube’ is a more emotive affair without neglecting the breeze of light that permeates all their songs. A soulful trumpet and attentive guitars vein the track swelling the emotion and expressive pulsing within the track. Closing song ‘Dragon’s Milk Pt. II’ completes the release with a change in direction with its simple innocent electro sounds and bold brass alongside more African type excitements over intriguing off beat arrangements and ideas. The song sways and turns at every available detour drawing everything in to one enchantment to bring smiles to the heart. The uprising of greedy fun from the enthusiastic melodies and excited energy is at times nicely tempered by emotional ballad like moments that feel like they are in reverse in pace against the pumped up impatience elsewhere within the song and works wonderfully.

Bear Cavalry with the magic within Maple Trails suggest that they are only heading one way and that is down the road of impressive expanse in 2012, from attention, acclaim and definitely creativity. The suggestion is you catch their ride early and bring their aural sunshine into your warm landscape too.

Check out the EP @ http://bearcavalry.bandcamp.com/album/maple-trails

RingMaster 07/01/2012