Band – Bring To Bear
Country – United Kingdom
Genre – Symphonic Folk Metal
Band Members:
Hristo Nikolov (Guitar)
Nikiforos Rotas (Guitar)
Izabela Smyt (Lead Vocals)
Ian Tarboton (Accordion, keyboard & Growls
Simon Jones (Drums)
Richard Knight (Bass)
Bring to Bear is the brain child of Ian Tarboton and nikiforos Rotas that came to full formation during the UK’s lockdown in 2020. The duo was joined by Richard Knight on bass, Simon Jones on drums and Izabela Smyt on vocals to complete the lineup. Light and Shadow is their debut EP, the three track project is one brimming with ambition. The opening track which also serves as the lead single titled “The Shadow Ruse” is a harrowing tale of life’s many contrasts. The song’s message is conveyed well by the light and dark styles used in the song’s vocal delivery by Izabela and Ian.
The song that follows is a cover of Queens of The Stone Age’s, “No One Knows” , the choice of song is very daring because the song is one of the biggest in the American band’s famed catalogue. Bring To Bear attempt to make the song their own by adding a unique spin to the arrangement with the incorporation of an accordion. Whilst there isn’t an adequate filling of the big shoes the band tries to step into with this rendition, the cover serves the band well in putting on display what they have to offer as well as potentially drawing a wider audience to the band’s music.
The closing song entitled “From The Abyss” is a powerful ending to the diverse EP. The motivational song that seeks to prompt the listener to rise above their circumstances features gritty guitar and accordion solos. “Fight for your life” the band urges, this proclamation serves a stark indicator of the band’s drive in their music and beyond. Light and Shadow is valiant debut by Bring To Bear the band who refer to themselves as a, “Symphonic Folk Metal clan” certainly have a bright future ahead.
The band’s YouTube channel has the video and lyric video for “The Shadow Ruse” as well as an EPK for the making of the EP and the band’s inception.
Follow the band on social media:
Facebook – @BringtoBear
Instagram – @bringtobearband
Twitter – @bear_bring
Band website – Home (bringtobear.band)
Rating – 6/10
Reviewed by Refiloe Mathelela
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