London singer/producer Bearcubs' music might remind some readily of James Blake, but that comparison does little justice to a gifted musician crafting small, enchanting worlds in each of his songs.
"I've been making/enjoying music for most of my life so I feel like my tastes now are informed collectively by all the music I have listened to over the years," says Bearcubs of the journey that culminates in new EP Underwaterfall. "Recently I've strayed more into the song writing field instead of just making instrumental music, which has helped connect with my music deeper I think, and from trying loads of different things out I've kind of found a sound now that allows me to express myself in a way I like. I'm still learning though so its hard to tell what kind of music I'll be making down the line."
The project's opening duo of "Burning Up" and the title track are perhaps the best displays of Bearcubs' unique ability, richly textured and evocative while restrained enough to show its creator's trust in his craft. He excels at well-manicured minimalism, each song swelling when it needs to, never to excess.
"Every song is different but in general I try and create as many elements as I can first and then I cut back to only the elements that are necessary," he says. "Basically I want to represent each song in its purest form."
Though the term "cinematic" is perhaps overused in describing music with emotional depth and considerable range, it is only a small logical leap to hear Bearcubs' music as an electronic score in search of the perfect film. When I ask him what one film from cinematic history he would love to have had the opportunity to score, his answer is both fitting and satisfying:
"Probably Blade Runner," he says. "Beautiful melodies and synth work by Vangelis, way ahead of it's time."
Stream Bearcubs' Underwaterfall below.
