Words by Dawn | Photo by Rich
Since the first time I saw Bear Park I've believed that they’re
destined for big things. That was back in June 2024 and with each performance since then they’ve grown in confidence and also grown their audience.
Having already garnered plaudits in Nottingham and Lincoln
on their current tour, this evening they make a triumphant return to their hometown
and to Northumbria Uni where they supported Little Comets back in November.
They went down a storm back then, and the same is true tonight. It’s a perfect
headline set full of melodic crowd favourites like Theme Parks and Betty, some gorgeous
slower moments like Twelve Inch Record Store, and a gloriously thumping
rendition of Testify from recent covers EP, Growl. Other highlights include a
beautiful rendition of DMA’s Appointment as well as Olivia Dean’s Man I Need,
which results in a joyous crowd singalong.
He’s never been shy on stage, but bassist Shay increasingly
revels in his role of frontman, making more eye contact with the audience as he
performs, and rewarding their singing with photo opportunities when he ventures
up to the barrier for a verse or two. And while guitarist Guy and drummer Adam
seem content to let him take the limelight - for now, at least - it's clear
that both are enjoying themselves just as much.
A mention for support act Dog Days, whose first gig was
under a year ago but whose self-assured performance was brimming with strong
vocals and catchy melodies. With chord sequences influenced by 1990s icons like
The Cranberries and The Smashing Pumpkins along with some well-chosen cover
versions they’re definitely ones to watch. (With apologies to opener Ben Harwood, whose set we unfortunately missed due to roadworks on the A1). Praise must also go to Northumbria Uni for their great venue and friendly security staff.
The Bear Park tour continues next week with dates in Manchester and London, but hopefully they won’t leave it too long to follow up to their debut album - especially given the enthusiasm of the crowd and the size of the queue at the merch stall after the show. The future’s bright - the future’s Bear Park.