The boys were on the form of their lives
London folk boys Bear’s Den have spent the last seven years building up a reputation as one of the most consistently brilliant live acts in the British folk scene. So, when we found out that they were bringing their UK tour to Cardiff’s Tramshed, we couldn’t resist heading down to check them out. Here’s what we found:
1) They’ve penned more cult classics than you may have realised…
You might not know it, but you know this song. You totally love this one too; and, don’t even bother checking whether or not this one rings a bell. We know it will.
What we’re trying to say is that, even though Bear’s Den‘s singles might not be staples of mainstream daytime radio, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find out how many of them have managed to seep into your consciousness over the last few years.
2) They manage to sound even better live than they do on record (and that’s saying something).
Sure, their last album – 2019’s ‘So you might hear me‘ – might be packed full of some of the most gorgeously nuanced folk songs that we’ve heard for a long time. Their previous long-players, too, are stuffed to the brim with more, equally gorgeous, folk sad-bops.
Yet, despite this, they somehow manage to sound even better when they’re stood on a stage than they do when they’re plonked in a studio. The vocals are crisper, the guitars are softer, and the harmonies are just as on-point. Don’t believe us? Check this out:
3) They’re the proud owners of some of the best beards in the music business.
We mean, come on. Look at them – they’re majestic.
4) Welsh crowds are – and, please excuse us if we’re putting too fine a point on this – bloody brilliant.
Sure, you may hear that Scottish crowds are rowdier than most, and that crowds in America’s Midwest are always willing to shut the hell up and pay attention to whichever rising country star has made their way to their town – but, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Welsh.
The crowd at the Tramshed were rowdy in all the right places, yet pin-drop silent throughout the rest of the gig. Sure, they clapped, screamed, and sang along – but, crucially, they made sure to shut up for long enough that we could hear every note of the softly spoken duo’s set without having to block out the sounds of assorted drunken hollerings. Well played, Cardiff.