Bear Park, the fresh-faced indie rock band hailing from Newcastle, has come onto the scene with their eponymous debut album. Released today via 25 Hour Convenience Store, this collection is a thrilling ride through guitar-driven, surf-infused anthems perfect for the summer. Stylistically, Bear Park reads as a fusion of garage rock energy and indie charm.
Produced by Gary Powell of the Libertines in Newcastle's Blast Studios and the Libertines' own Albion rooms, the band members Shay, Guy, and Adam, loved working with their team. Guidance from Gary and Eric (Formally of Factory Records) challenged the band but ultimately took them to a place where they knew they’d created something special. “We’ve really upped our game and done something we can be proud of,” guitarist Guy reflected.
Bear Park’s focus track Head of the United States is a punchy song about escape from expectations and the desire for freedom. It opens with, “I know we gotta run away, so far away / to another place, up into space […] The head of the United States has left the state / she’s on a plane.” The band jumps immediately into vocals at the start of the track, no buildup necessary, and the beat stays strong and nearly hypnotic throughout. Tracks like The Other Way and Twelve Inch Record Store bring a slightly more reflective tone to the record, with softer guitar lines and slower rhythms. Themes here are more melancholy, with vocals that focus on storytelling and warm crooning.
Bear Park wants their fans to love the music energetically, as they do. Drummer Adam said of recording, “Before we knew it, we were dancing like whirling dervishes to our own songs, the whole experience has been gas.” Producer Gary felt the same, saying, “For this album I didn't need headphones but I did need heavy-duty dancing shoes!” The track Groovy says it well: “We know you’re groovy, take it slow / Life of the party, you’re my glow.” Bear Park just wants you to dance with them and know you’re having a good time.
Bear Park is a celebration of youthful exuberance, tales of love and teenage angst embedded in every riff and chorus. With an album release party at The Grove in Newcastle and upcoming shows at The Finsbury in London, Coastfest in North Shields, and Hardwick Festival in Sedgefield, fans have many opportunities to experience their dynamic sound live. This summer, Bear Park is set to make waves, working to secure their place in the indie rock pantheon.