HAILING from Ayr, Bella and The Bear a two piece acoustic group that have been circulating around the nation’s venues since their inception in 2014. Following a chance encounter with the band, they captured the imagination of Scotland’s premier rap outfit Hector Bizerk, who’ve vehemently champtioned them ever since; even cherry-picking them to act as support during their recent sold out album launch at King Tuts. Looking to capitalise on the more widespread exposure that such a scenario has granted, Bella and The Bear have affirmed why the group have such faith in them on their EP’

Opening with afflicted guitar strums and the assertive vocals of Stuart Ramage, ‘Leave It Out’ is a mournful ballad which sees a couple lamenting over the demise of their relationship. It sets the tone for the gorgeous intermingling of Ramage and bandmate Lauren Gilmour’s voices that is rampant throughout the EP’s duration; enabling them to concisely provide both sides of the story effectively and appealingly.

Featuring  central instrumentation that harbours a pop based nature and the intricacy of archetypal folk artists such as John Martyn, ‘Red Dragon’ is epitomised by the soulful expressions of both profoundly talented vocalists along with their inherent knack for storytelling that acts as the focal point of every song.

As documented on ‘Elephant Therapist’, the adept fashion in which they spin their yarns over rhythmic and lovingly constructed chords have an ability to transport you into the precise situations that are being referred to and their imagery registers as vivid and inviting.

Channeling both folklore and whimsy alongside more raw and untethered emotion is a crucial caveat of their lyricism; and whilst it may seem like something of a momentous task to set such opposing ideals to appropriate music, they do so with brazen ingenuity and panache.

Spacious and warm in tone, ‘Eyes Closed’ sees Gilmour’s stirring vocal performance set against a backdrop which features touching and poignant saxaphone as well as their typically rich guitar.

Escapism is at the forefront of their collective consciousness upon ‘Trapped’, as they demonstrate both discontent and wanderlust within its lyrics; turning the notion of “the story” claiming it to be a possibility on its head with the  stark realisation that things aren’t ever so cut and dry.

In summary, Bella and The Bear possess a sense of childlike wonder that is juxtaposed by their grasp of the many cruelties that are inflicted upon us within our every-day lives. Despite the fact that this kind of outlook would be admirable in someone’s personal philsophy would be admirable, their ability to communicate this through the medium of songwriting in this kind of attractive and gratifying manner is demonstrative of the bright future that lies ahead.