Here's the funny thing; music reviews shouldn't really be a new feature on my blog. I'm just about to finish an Honours degree in Commercial Music, so really, this should be my thing. Or thang, if you will. I digress...
Brown Bear and The Bandits are a three-piece group from Largs, which is just south of Glasgow. The band comprises of Matt Hickman, on vocals and acoustic guitar, Stuart McArthur on bass and backing vocals, and Kay McLaren on drums and backing vocals. Two-thirds of Brown Bear were actually on my degree course last year, until Stuart and Matt left for the bigger and better things that are certain to come their way!
The group combine a captivating mix of folk-rock, laced with pop and traditional Celtic influences, which create a seriously memorable, barn-storming, foot-stomping sound. Matt Hickman is a dazzling frontman, effortlessly blending velvety vocals with passionate grunts, whoops and yells, all the while stomping about the stage, guitar in hand. And if you thought he was into it, he's cool and calm compared to bassist Stuart, who can seemingly headbang to just about anything, Celtic folk-rock included! Drummer Kay holds it all together, and it's great to see a female drummer holding her own so well in a band that's really going places. There are so many talented female musicians and instrumentalists, and sadly it's rare to see them as anything other than the front woman. Kay pounds and pulses perfectly, keeping the alternating melodies and flowing rhythms in check, and comes into her own on the thrilling and captivating instrumental piece Celtic Jam. My personal favourite is The Chase; so reminiscent
Brown Bear and the Bandits are a solid three-piece, giving the impression that they've been playing together forever. There's no sign of any one member pushed to the front; while watching, you find yourselves torn between all three! Each is as skilled as the other, something of a rarity in such a young band, and something to be treasured.
Try Brown Bear and the Bandits if you like Mumford and Sons, Wolfmother, or any kind of storming folk/pop to be honest, I can see this group appealing to many a musical taste. To give them a little listen for yourselves, I recommend their Soundcloud page, where you can hear a nice little selection of songs. Failing that, get over to iTunes and download Truth or Dare, I can promise you won't regret it! Brown Bear and the Bandits are playing at various places all over Scotland in April, and are even making a cheeky visit to Germany in May. Tour dates can be found on their Facebook page, and if they're playing anywhere near you, I highly recommend it while the stages and the ticket prices are still low - as this band are most definitely going places!
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