Bears

Described by the NME as 'beautiful, pounding love pop', Sam Isaac is the current bright young hope of the British singer songwriter scene. After making a splash at several big name musical festivals last year, he finally releases his debut album on the back of another onslaught of festival appearances this summer, which punctuate an extensive UK tour.

The title track of the album starts proceedings off, and immediately absorbs the listener into a warm, twinkly embrace. First single 'Come Back Home Tonight' follows, and cements the sound and intention of the record. It's a yearning, love struck affair that bristles with earnestness and big choruses.

It's a grower of a collection; the first listen puts in the same sound family as middle of the road acts like Snow Patrol. Which gives it commercial appeal, but not much identity or originality of its own. His voice lacks the soft, soothing quality of Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody too; making it less of a palatable sell for middle England.

However Isaac does posses more backbone than the aforementioned Irishman; he proclaims, defiantly, at one stage that "you can't set fire to me'". Songs like 'Sticker, Star and Tape' are shot through with the rhythm section from The Strokes and the bass lines and vocal delivery from an early Bloc Party record. There is the odd spark of idiosyncratic, indie charm in his lyrics, such as the infinitely cute growing up fable 'Sideways', which comes to the fore withy repeated listens. Overall, it's an enticing, attractive combination, and it provides a missing link between trendy indie and wistful 'songsmithery'.

Although it still feels Isaac has to form a musical identity of his own, there is a lot of potential on 'Bears' that suggests it's possible. He's a confident lyricist, and the album offers a consistency in tone and content, while managing to offer both light and shade. If he continues writing songs like the lilting 'Berlin' complete with the unusual combination of horns, piano, acoustic guitar and beguiling harmonies, he could be on to something.

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Wed, 17/06/2009 - 12:53 — Admin