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REVIEWS FOR MUSIC TO SWIM TO

You’d be surprised how inefficient the promotional process is. Of all the emails and CDs I get sent, rarely does it lead me to discover something I like. I’m not sure if it’s my laziness and meticulous tastes or poor choices those sending me the music, but the success rate is pretty pathetic. However, every now and then, something incredible will land in my lap and it makes the whole process worthwhile.”

“Brown Bear’s second EP, ‘Music To Swim To’ falls into that category. It only took a couple of listens before I realized I had something special in my hands. It was quite unexpected because they have a sound that is much softer than I would normally listen to. But clearly the might of their song-writing won out because I’ve well and truly fallen for them. Their sound is one that manages to combine calming minimalism with a richly textured atmosphere, driven by some excellent vocals.”

“Strangely enough, I’d say their closest comparison would the similarly named Grizzly Bear. There's also a parallel with some of Radiohead's slower numbers, though I'd hate to set the bar too high.” “With 7 tracks coming in at over 30 minutes, Music To Swim To is more than just your average EP. Incredibly, each song seems to have at least one moment when you feel like you’re witnessing some musical brilliance. Unfortunately, this potential isn’t always met, but it doesn’t stop the EP from being an outstanding effort. It’s early days yet and I’m excited to see what this band delivers in the future.”

OPEN YOUR EYES BLOG

Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with Jack Johnson,

I know, going from the title, I thought it would be an album full of acoustic wankery that rich college kids could get stoned and play along to, displaying their sensitive side to fellow rich college kids. Thankfully, the assumption is miles off.

Album opener Anything is a love song with no shame, with guitars and floating drums that evoke being peacefully swept out to sea. As a group consisting of degree-holding music graduates, and a film score composer in guitarist Cliff Bradley, Brown Bear show the value of a strong musical education, and manage to be ambitious without slipping into over indulgence. Was That It begins as a slow piano ballad, but moves into surreally-beautiful territory when electronic drum beats, vocoders and synthesizers are thrown into the mix. Elsewhere, Words That Escape Me shows a slight country twang, incorporating some gospel influences and Hammond organ for an eclectic end result. Hopefully it won’t be 2010 before they release another one.

MITCH ALEXANDER – RAVE MAGAZINE