Ten Bears - Braces Album Review

Manchester based Ten Bears are proof that if you pick the right genre, are good at what you do and work hard, you can succeed. Despite not even having an album yet, they have played Glastonbury, The Secret Garden Party and this year's SXSW. Their songs have been played on national radio (though mysteriously getting hold of Steve Lamacq's address is always going to help that cause) and they have developed a devoted fan base through touring and hard work, but most of all, they are good at what they do.

And Braces is a perfect example of what they do; feel good up-beat indie synth-pop. Lyrically, it talks about experiences growing up and its content is just a sugary sweet as the vocals. This is not music that is going to change the world, there is not a huge amount of depth or substance but I doubt that's what the band are trying to achieve. Instead they have gone for a perfect sing-along radio friendly tune, and they have just about nailed it.

But Ten Bears do have their work cut out. Their breed of Britpop inspired fuzzy guitar synth-pop is flooding the airwaves at the moment and although this might seem advantageous, it's always hard to stand out in a crowd. Braces unfortunately doesn't have anything that distinguishes it from that crowd. That said, if you want a good indie-pop tune to dance to, this will fit the bill.it will also be stuck in your head for eternity after the first listen; I'll let you decide if that's a good thing or not.

3.5/5

Robyn Burrows