By Dylan Bryant (Music Editor)

Having placed 5th in the UK midweek album charts with ‘Blue Hours’, Bear’s Den were in high spirits as they graced the stage at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo. 

Establishing themselves as one of the UKs most exciting folk-rock artists and armed with a talent for writing emotive songs that are drenched in hope; I couldn’t wait to see the band for their homecoming show of the tour.

Opening with the title track from the record; blue lights flashed in sync with the addictive synthy melody as the band walked on stage to create a palpable atmosphere. The songs intoxicating chorus had the crowd gripped as Andrew Davie sang with impeccable vocals.

This rich and euphoric sound has evolved from the duos more intimate material, and discussing this evolution, they say;

“Our music has definitely evolved, both subconsciously and consciously, I think. To be honest, I think we’re governed by what we find inspiring musically and by what we feel the song is asking from us. Sometimes that’s more electronic instrumentation, sometimes more rocky, and sometimes still the more intimate acoustic instruments. It really is an album by album, song by song kinda thing.” 

Channelling more of their elated direction, ‘Red Earth & Pouring Rain’ and ‘Frightened Whispers’ serve up a vibrant display of elegant song-writing which sounded incredible live. 

Bear’s Den didn’t fail to create intimate and special moments playing songs such as ‘Sophie’ and ‘Gabriel’ unplugged, which silenced the crowd.

In contrast, their fans were belting out every lyric to their biggest hits ‘Above the Clouds of Pompeii’ and ‘Agape’. Both played in the encore, after frontman Andrew Davie joked; “we would never leave the stage and then return to play more songs”. His casual and warm rapport with the crowd was an ongoing theme of the night.

Bear’s Dens personal lyricism is clearly something that their fans connect with. As they played their more intimate material, the audience reflected and listened to every word. Speaking on his lyrics, Andrew Davie says;

“I think I’ve always used song writing as a way of processing the things I’m finding difficult in my personal life. I really love hearing the details in a story when I listen to other writers, so that’s just naturally how I’ve learned to do it.”

A personal highlight was when they played ‘Shadows’. With a striking piano melody and a beautiful string arrangement, this is one of the strongest tracks of the new record. Bear’s Den have provided a wonderfully calming album that soothes the soul and calms the mind; and this was delivered beautifully at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo.

The duo finished the night by asking their fans to “buy as many records as possible” so they could achieve a top 10 album.

Having achieved this milestone a few days after the gig, they wrote on their social media; 

“WE DID IT!! Thanks to all of you, ‘Blue Hours’ is a UK top 10 album! We’d like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible support and belief and also for being such a magical community that we feel so lucky to be a small part of.”

Congratulations to Bear’s Den for an incredible album and an amazing show!

‘Blue Hours’ OUT NOW.

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