The word 'pop' seems to conjure up a lot of meanings, especially in this dystopian world of music reviewing. To some, pop is a sensibility, a nod towards three minute structures with an easily defined chorus and verse. To others, pop only exists in the evil realm of big-businesses who spit out ventriloquist dummies with homoerotic dance moves by the dozen. Personally, I'm undecided. At least I was until Cat Spectacular ransacked my stereo.
Bearsuit are a six-piece from Norwich, England and make use of violins, cornets, accordions, keyboards, and flutes on top of the guitar/drums/bass that are at the heart of all the songs. With relentless harmonies, toyful musicianship, and a love of the superficial, Bearsuit remind us that pop is an adjective as well as a noun. They reclaim the onomatopoeic meaning of pop. They epitomize the split second of hissing that comes with the unscrewing of a bottle of soda -- that momentary chance that fizzy liquid of a bright distinction might bubble all over your nice trousers. And oh how it bubbles.
The album floods forth with a curious nostalgia and confusion over modern technology. "What the hell do these flashing red lights mean?" singer Iain Ross enquires urgently on "Cookie Oh Jesus." He might not know the answer, but he panics anyway, busting open a euphoric track of gliding oohs and ahhs contrasting with the messiness of bells, horns, guitars, and galloping percussion. The album is packed with novelty, from soundbites of Japanese conversations to finger clicks to the whirrs of electronic goods. The record is a mish-mash of horrifically lightweight ideas and a profound yearning to eliminate the worthiness that litters so much of the output of modern independent musicians. In other words, it's ace.
The basis from which Bearsuit start is quintessentially British indie-pop; cleverly crafted nuggets of cynicism lightened by sweet vocals and disregard of what cool might entail. "Itsuko got married" is the best example of Bearsuit's finesse; beginning with just a boy/girl vocal accompanied by mis-timed hand claps, it soon flourishes into action via flutes, a loud guitar, and a transition into staccato screams. It then changes pace again with some whistling, a military drum roll, and a final crescendo of lush Belle and Sebastian proportions. Bearsuit exorcise the ghost of convention at every possible opportunity, not one song doesn't contain a change in direction or dynamic. By embracing the modern retroisms of outdated drum machines and done-to-death indie melody, they have created a true piece of pop invention.
1. Welcome Bearsuit Space Hotel
2. Cookie Oh Jesus
3. Rodent Disco
4. Cherryade
5. I Feel the Heat of the light from Heaven
6. Going Steady
7. Itsuko Got Married
8. Prove Katie Wrongg
9. Tstm
10. Diagonal Girl
11. Kiki Keep Me Company
12. On Your Special Day
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