Ottawa, Ontario pop-punk band Bearings chronicle their painful experiences throughout their new record, Blue In The Dark. The act write songs which resonate powerfully — songs symphonic and beating like a heart rattled by life’s upheavals. The record is a statement also; a note to lovers cascading downhill into chaos. Problems are ever so apparent, dreams are dispelled, and heads pound with hangovers striking deeply. And these musicians know all too well that life can break a man, it can overthrow every good turn, every step forward.
Musically, Bearings follow a formula which can be perceived as being too familiar. But, they utilize lyrics to an extent where stories bloom and where they flourish beyond those normal lines which are usually implemented by bands who forget to add bite to their lyrical strands. Not only do Bearings enhance their lyrical qualities, but they do so with vigor.
Blue In The Dark doesn’t rely on pop punks normal strain. As it has been developed by good, honest, musicians, who are broken inside at times, but dig deep into the abyss to claw out good intentions wrapped in barbed wire and doused in venom. Although we hear pessimistic words spread out like wildfire, they’re commendable and string everything together strongly.
There’s many softer songs on Blue In The Dark. Songs with subtle cores, and tracks bruised like perishing fruit. But they all come together to create a riveting plot and musical journey. There seems to be a lover present too. Every track follows a dislodged relationship, one which can’t seem to repair itself. Bearings’ lead singer Doug Cousins bellows out his grievances, forming snapshots and trying to escape the darkness that shrouds his tired eyes.
Cousins’ voice is relevant. He’s a man on a mission, exploring different avenues, and his band mates play as they seek redemption. Guitars are played out, generating a perfect sound. The drums sound like bombs, and the whole musical backdrop edges us closer to the drama.
From the onset, we’re treated to a pure demonstration of the band’s sound. “Where You Are” is a strong start to an album full of punch and rawness. The guitar sound is engaging, and Cousins sings happily, but as a whole, the song has an undercurrent of negativity. “Eyes Closed” describes a fragile body taking blows with Cousins alerting the demon inside of him. It’s a song that manages to keeps the momentum riding along, with those powerful drumbeats melding brilliantly as the show goes on. “Stuck In A Doorframe” is loud and frantic. It’s a song of clarity, and it describes sleepless nights — Cousins uses his voice as an instrument of hope, but he is scared to sleep. “Tide”is an acoustic ballad performed by a battered man. It’s a beauty, encased in a solemn coating. Loneliness is sung about, and those howls in the background send shivers down warm necks.
Bearings ultimately take pop punk and proudly ruffle its feathers. The band don’t follow the trend, which is a commendable attitude.
‘Blue in the Dark’ will be out this Friday, October 12th via Pure Noise Records and can still be pre-ordered here. Additionally, you can find all of their dates with Like Pacific and Roam below.
