Comprised of singer/songwriters Craig Ramsey and Charlie McArthur, Cleveland’s Bears play perfectly executed wistful and bittersweet pop. The band--which expands to six members in a live setting--are loaded with charm, and the thirteen numbers here showcase their penchant for producing subtle, but unforgettable hooks. “Everywhere� is a dreamy shuffle of pure longing; the winning jangle of “Days� is impossible to resist; and the fuzzy acoustica of “Still Alright� brings to mind Alan McGee’s underrated outfit Biff Bang Pow. What makes Bears work so well is that, understated as these tracks are, they have an endearing, woebegone appeal. The two men’s voices blend in and out of each other, creating a blurry, yet absorbing, sonic vortex. “Things I Should Say� and “Goodbye Song� both sound like lost classics from the soft-rock revolution; the hand-clap fueled “Still the Same� is mesmerizing; and the ‘60s pop closer suggests the psychedelia of The Zombies. Also, Kate Pugsley’s stunning cover art bears mentioning.
Alex Green
