From their first release way back in 2010 the Curious Nature EP, I was expecting big things. I was not disappointed when they dropped the Bear Hug EP back last June. But it was the Work EP that really grabbed my attention early 2012 and got me hyped for an album release.
The album is a walk into what I think could be the happiest paired brains on the plannet (apart from one track but keep reading). It has light hearted harmonies twinned with easy to listen vocals for two of the burliest men in South London. It combines country, dancehall, 2-step, house with a smidgen of dare I say 'world music.' (I fucking hate the term world music, I believe it was invented in East London by hipsters who listen to a Gypsy Kings greatest hits album once and decided that they would tell people they listen to only world music!!!!!)
Title track 'Be Strong' is a massive shout out to influences, collaborators and friends. Starts 'GIVE THE MUSIC ALL YOU LOVIN' and is a gentle reminder that music is what you want it to be and that don't listen to what is deemed cool, but what you like.
'Bear Hug' is of course last summers club banger. (If you didn't hear it then you need to question your musical taste in the summer of 2011........) It's house/2-step combined with cheery vocal section about shagging under the moon with a bear (may have paraphrased a bit.) Also if you haven't checked out the video then it's worth a watch. It's like GMTV crossed with a work out routine video.
'Time In Mind' is Raf Rundells' country influenced, dancehall beat story telling of a "shameful and torrid passage of his life." But sung to an infectious tune that you will be whistling after your first listen, it almost feels wrong to dance to such a track that seems so sad. They did a session video for The Guardian with this track watch it HERE.
I really enjoyed this album and it will be in my CD player for along time (yeah I still buy CDs). It's got 13 tracks on it that you can just sit back and listen to with having to 'skip.' I am in no way saying it's simply back ground music. If you have heard 'Bear Hug' or 'Work' in a club then you will understand that it is dance music, but a light hearted form. I dare you to try and resist the temptation of dancing when hearing the more upbeat tracks of the album.
Safe.
P.S. My favourite remixed track from the album, only on the 'Curious Nature' (Remixes) - EP.
To buy the album click HERE.
Follow The 2 Bear on Twitter : @followthebears
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