Album Review

Bear Arms – New Skin

• 2nd Aug 2012

They’ve barely been around a year and yet Bear Arms have already managed to sell out King Tut’s and the Captain’s Rest and secure some substantial support slots including a set with Vukovi at The Arches.

“New Skin” was out back in June and is the band’s third release. Bear Arms describe themselves as a post-hardcore band but it’s clear to see there are other elements to their music. Hints of punk, rock and even indie are felt throughout these four tracks.

“Cities” throws the listener into the deep end with pungent riffs, elegant harmonies and what is quite simply great, face-paced rock music. “Towers” is my favourite of the four tracks. The song is a lot more intimate than the others and was first released back in December 2011.

The second two tracks on this EP are a lot heavier and the build up of “Where I Lay My Head” sets the listener up nicely for “The Apple and the Tree” which is almost ten minutes long. This last track combines everything from its predecessors and sums up the sound of Bear Arms perfectly.

It’s pretty difficult to review this band and not mention Biffy Clyro. I’ve tried and I’ve failed. If you’re a fan of the band’s early albums (Blackened Sky/The Vertigo of Bliss) then I defy you not to enjoy “New Skin”.

Bear Arms play alongside Hunt/Gather and Crusades at this month’s MILK on August 15th.