Bear Arms

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"The new knights of the Biffy realm." -
BBC Introducing

Bear Arms released their debut album, Strength and Conviction, on 20th October 2014 via Struggletown Records.

Combining elements of emo, math rock and post-hardcore, Bear Arms offer an eclectic take on the alt-rock sound that has swamped the airwaves in recent years. Pulling on early noughties influences such as Glassjaw, Texas Is The Reason and Thursday, Bear Arms have produced an album that accentuates the loud/quiet, singing/screaming dynamic beautifully, while maintaining an emotionality that should endear them to a wider audience.

Album opener ‘Courage’ allows Bear Arms to show off their penchant for a technically expansive sound laden with heavy stop/start guitar soundscapes combined with brutal drumming and a melodic, captivating chorus. On ‘Call to Arms’ Bear Arms show a depth to their songwriting ability as the track builds methodically, slowly and thoughtfully towards a harmony infused, guitar picking, bass-led epic that will have your head bobbing and your body swaying. While lead single ‘Fools Gold’ highlights the band’s softer, more accessible side where they pull on classic 90’s emo influences to produce a track worthy of any radio rock show’s playlist.

Bear Arms, who consist of Richard Wardrop (guitar/vox), Keiran Hird (guitars/vox), Lewis Mcgourty (bass) and Dean Louden (drums/vox), formed in early 2011 after the members grew up playing in bands together when they were at school. Keiran joined after the rest of the band moved to Glasgow and Dean was the final piece of the Bear Arms puzzle when he was added to the line-up in 2013 after the regional drummer left the band.

Bear Arms have already played at Wickerman Festival and Belladrum Festival and supported their idols Funeral For A Friend. They have also picked up support from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and were named ‘Best Live Act’ at the 2013 Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Strength and Conviction by Bear Arms is released via Struggletown Records.