Late nights, forgotten memories, and drunken escapades are behaviour usually associated with adolescents, but even as we leave those times behind and try to navigate the minefield of adulthood we don’t really change. Bear Hands’ new album ‘You’ll Pay For This’ tackles this head on, not skirting round the edges but heading straight into the belly of the beast.
Album opener ‘I Won’t Pay’ has a dark electronic drumbeat with a cold electro atmosphere, as synths flicker in and out instantly luring you in, then in the last minute thunders into an unsuspecting guitar riff full of grandeur and abrasiveness. Constantly genre-blending throughout, the Brooklyn foursome blur the lines between electronic, rock and folk music on ‘Boss’ making for an interesting concoction that is unusual but welcomed. Whilst front man Dylan Rau venomously yells “I’m the bitch and you’re the boss” as meaty chords and aggression takes over.
‘Déjà Vu’ wouldn’t sound of out place on a 1975 record, but when you get to the core it’s slightly less than romantic as they recall a blurry-eyed venture and a forgotten conquest. Despite the fact that the lyrics are not overtly complex they’re gutsy, at times cheesy and they don’t waste time by cutting straight to the point on songs such as ‘Like Me Like That’ and ‘Winner’s Circle’.
Although it in part recalls punk pop Bear Hands' third studio venture cannot be fully confined to that label. If you’re looking for a record that is amusing and cheeky ‘You’ll Pay for This’ will provide you with just that.
7/10
Words: Lois Browne
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