Album Review: Bears Den, Red Earth and Pouring Rain

Inspired, in part, by the paintings of Edward Hopper, the novels of Raymond Carver and Robert Altman's film Short Cuts, album number two from Ivor Norvello nominated Bear's Den sees the Londoners in an ambitious mood.

Now trimmed down to a twosome, their plan to make a "great album for driving at night" has yielded a tear-stained collection of songs which leaves behind the alt folk sounds of their debut Islands and embraces a more stadium bothering sound indebted to '80s M.O.R. and the back catalogue of Gary Lightbody.

Opening with a roar, the stirring title-track fuses latter period Pink Floyd with 'Boys Of Summer'-era Don Henley - already it feels like a classic. 'Auld Wives' is another huge moment, as synths and a drum machine underscore singer/guitarist Andrew Davie's experiences dealing with his grandfather's Alzheimer's condition, while 'Emeralds', which wouldn't sound out of place on Fleetwood Mac's 'Tango In The Night', may be the song that makes them a household name.

At times the material does get maudlin - check 'Roses On A Breeze' and 'Napoleon' - but, on song, they sound like worthy successors to their mates Mumford & Sons' throne.