Bear Driver - Wolves / Long Lost Giants

Surprisingly it’s B-Side ‘Long Lost Giants’ which is the highlight of Bear Driver’s newest single release. It’s like a rain-drop slowly making its way down a window - a whole-hearted achievement when it’s finished.

Rolling melodies take a trip down a nostalgic lane whilst haunting and floating vocals sweep over the top. Crescendos rise and strange carnival-esque noises, scraping violins and dual-vocals create an intense atmosphere in an extremely strong song, making you wonder why it’s been relegated to backing track status.

Although ‘Long Lost Giants’ may outdo the A-Side, it is only because it takes it’s time; ‘Wolves’ slams down in its effort to be a catchy single with lyrical refrains and jangly guitars. There are glimpses of Los Campesinos!, but a lot of the energy that makes Los Camp! such a good band falls flat here.

Bear Driver obviously have it in them to create music with a substantial core, but they are much better when taking a step back and chilling out.