Originally somewhat of a bastion of wholesome optimism and unfettered joy, it appears Bears In Trees have not been immune to nor unaffected by the oozing rot polluting the UK’s sociocultural environment since the release of their first record. However, it would be weird and a direct contrast to their mission statement if they weren’t. After becoming household names in UK Gen Z residences with the release and viral sensation of their debut 2021 record and everybody else smiled back, the self-proclaimed “dirtbag boyband” soon came to be seen as a welcome reprieve from the confusion and banality of immediate post-pandemic existence, something in thanks to their ever-so kitschy approach to ukulele and brass flavoured indie-pop and pop-rock.
The aforementioned record was a contrast and escape from the bleak outlook of that time, especially with its wide-eyed optimism and ceaselessly joyful overtones. However, despite its cute appeal, for many it was a record that was sweet to the point of sickliness and sunny to the point of just being simply blinding. For some, in a time of such concern, the record’s perpetual smile became too overt. How To Build An Ocean: Instructions wears a slightly different face. It may be the band’s slide into adulthood or the coldness of modern life affecting them, but the new record from Bears In Trees feels more grounded and a product of the current times. However, that’s not to say that their perpetual whimsy and sugary sweetness has soured. The warmth that Bears In Trees once cast remains, but is now behind some passing clouds. But through nuance, juxtaposition and a more mature delivery, once the sun shines its warmth feels more welcome then ever.
‘Your Favourite Coat’, the record’s opener, is the first glimpse of this newly matured band. Far from grizzled but not as cutesy and innocent as the cub-like sound previously associated with their name, as the track gears into action with its post punk bassline, bellowing brass and almost exasperated vocals desperately seeking solace from the ceaseless motion of life, the song feels like the re-introduction to a friend not seen in some time. The same sense of chemistry remains unchanged, but it’s clear the passing of years has left a mark. Such is true especially given the track’s thematic focus on seeking release and solace amidst the blur of modern living.
Lead single ‘Hot Chocolate’ follows in similar suit. Alarmingly cynical and musically combative with its indie-punk punch, the track is without question the most aggressive track the band has committed to tape given its lashing lyrical focus on coming to grips with the inherent banality of life. In fact, it almost feels like the intentional antithesis to ‘Heaven Sent Is A Coffee Cup’, the incandescently cheery single from the band’s past record. The bittersweet ode of seeing one’s youth fade of memory within ‘Injured Crow’ pays further credence to such sentiments.
However, cynicism and fatalism is far from the overarching sentiment of the record. The same Bears In Trees one has become accustomed to and loved is still present. In fact, the record stands as a true testament to their statement of being authentic as possible and there’s still plenty of the band’s own cheery pleasures in the key of the previous work present here. ‘Things That Look Like Mistakes’ – a track that urges one to take nothing for granted whilst seeking those fleeting moments of joy – will no doubt be a hit with those who enjoyed the band’s first record and ‘I Wanna Feel Calm’ is an overt boyband-coded burst of unbridled joy, even despite its morbid lyrics.
But what makes these tracks brilliant – both the cynical and optimistic ones – is Bears In Trees’ seemingly unlimited musical palette and their sense of creative charisma. The band’s usual array of brass, ukuleles, synths, keys and strings are all employed masterfully throughout the duration of this record, and regardless of one’s thoughts on this chipper genre, there’s absolutely no denying their inspired talent as musicians. The more sparse and minimalist moments of this record, such as the gentle and tender ‘All You Get Is Confetti’ and the almost orchestral crescendo of ‘Tai Chai With My Dad’ highlights this through contrast. Massive credit to producer George Perks is required, especially in the way the band’s renowned approach to multi-textured songwriting is realised here and how the more grandiose moments of this record reminisce thoughts of their work on Enter Shikari’s Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible.
Ultimately though, the record’s finest moment lies with its final arc and three-song climax. As the album comes to final fruition with the surprisingly wise ‘Nothing Cures Melancholy Like Looking At Maps’, the genuine gut punch of reflecting upon expired relationships within the ballad of ‘We Don’t Speak Anymore’ and the arresting self-awareness of finale ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Angry’, it’s here where the maturity of Bears Of Trees is most realised and apparent. Truthfully, the lyrical refrain of “We all sing the same old songs, we just sing them different now” in ‘Nothing Cures Melancholy…’ encapsulates the growth that characterises this record. It’s a sobering and arresting moment, but one where the brilliance of this record becomes most apparent. It’s also one that ties together the record as a whole and ultimately showcases the authenticity of Bears As Trees as a collective. How To Build An Ocean: Instructions is a deeply self-aware record that still carries the comfort, optimism warmth of its predecessor, albeit in a way that also appreciates how life can sometimes be callous, unpleasant and pessimistic. But by accepting the cold and rain, one can fully embrace the coming sun and warmth.