[Release date 03.03.23]

Black Bear Kiss are a 4 piece upbeat rock band, who formed in 2016 by long term collaborators and good friends Rob Jones (guitar) and Chris Leech (vocals), with drummer Chris Bagnall and bassist Rich Sach coming on board later.

Playing their own brand of upbeat, riff driven rock, the band pride themselves on high energy performances, adding catchy beats and funky grooves, Black Bear Kiss began to establish themselves and grew quickly on the music scene. The band added lead guitarist Colin Haden in 2018, completing the band’s line up.

Tragedy struck the band in 2021 with the sudden passing of founder Rob Jones and a serious heart condition for bassist Rich. Having taken some time out, the band decided to honour Rob’s memory and continue gigging, with the aim of releasing an album that was almost complete.

Now more determined and tighter as a group than ever before, Black Bear Kiss now release their debut, self-titled album, which comprises of nine tracks plus a bonus live track.

’Chasing all I Know’ is a great opening track. Really hope that the sets the scene for the whole album I am impressed already. ”you try to get things done, you can’t walk away from it, put ‘em up and run ‘cos you’re in the middle of it
‘Begin Again’ This is a poignant tribute to former guitarist Rob Jones who sadly passed away suddenly in 2021 “This is really meaningful”, says singer Chris Leech, “many years of blood, sweat and tears have gone into making this record. This was the last track we recorded with our late guitarist Rob Jones, so its very special to us. We’ve been through so much as a band and Begin Again shows what we are about”.
‘Back to You’ This track has a heavier intro and then really morphs into what you could be forgiven for thinking was the Red Hot Chili Peppers, superb structure and finesse.
‘Reach up Higher’ This was a BBC Introducing ‘Record of the Week’ – Reach Up Higher
‘Hole in the Sky’ seems to be Covid inspired “there’s a hole in the sky where my faith used to lie ” and is reflective of the lockdown state.
‘King for a Day’ , great rhythm, showing all of the band skills, vocally the refrains really work “King for a Day, get out of my way”
‘When I Break’ ”darling, everything you take, will wash over me, wash over me.
‘The First Time’ I think again this is also a reflection on what the bands been through in recent times “all my friends, listen up, this is not the end”.

For anyone who likes to who likes meaningful lyrics and riff driven rock, this album is for you. Chris Leach on lead vocals, has got a superb range, which is complimented by drummer, Chris Bagnall on harmonies. It’s take this to another level.

What a superb debut album. This band is certainly going places it’s very catchy tapping rock I defy anybody not to enjoy it. Every track is killer. No filler is on here and I was lucky enough to go to the album launch where I saw the majority of the tracks played live and I can confirm that there is good live as they are recorded, can’t wait to see what’s next! ****

Review by Karen Clayton

Available to buy online and at live shows, Black Bear Kiss’s debut album is available from 3rd March.

Digital version: https://blackbearkiss.bandcamp.com/album/black-bear-kiss

CD and Merch: https://blackbearkiss.sumupstore.com

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/450iePyUxmwZYCt94A1Yud

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/blackbearkissband/

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/blackbearkiss

INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/blackbearkiss/

Album launch for Black Bear Kiss 3rd March 2023 held at The Station Cannock

The opening act of the evening was Aaron, who I only caught the tail end of, but was impressed by his acoustic set and vocal delivery.

Next up was a bit of a treat a reformed band, Red Already who hadn’t played together for six years, with Chris Leech (lead singer of Black Bear Kiss) on vocals, they did a fabulous set which really set the standard for the evening’s entertainment, opening with “Where did you go’’ and packing in six tracks closing out with ‘Monkey’ to a rapturous audience.

Sig and the Fire Pilots launch on to the stage as a 3 piece, who delivered an impressive hour long set blurring rock with reggae, reminiscent in places of the Eagles with a superb baseline and the lead singer pulling off amazing vocals, but lead guitar as well, What a band! Highlights in their set included ‘Click Bait’ which had a much heavier vibe, Almost Out of Time’ will be their next single and then closing out with ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll It’ which was utter rock perfection.

The headliner of the evening Black Bear Kiss waste no time launching into an epic set opening with ‘Chasing All I Know’ and then launching into a cover of Cameo’s ‘Word Up’ which was great fun.

The set is peppered with the new tracks showcasing the album work amongst the more familiar, including a medley, which covers everything from Nirvana to Michael Jackson to Free. They make reference to the fact that Chris B on drums is not very well at all, and as he does backing vocals, is probably struggling a little, not that we notice.

The set includes a cover of ‘Praise You’ that’s quite a surprise, Aaron joins them on stage for a song and showcases his range. Then they deliver the poignant new single ‘Begin Again’, which is a hit in the making and then concluding their packed set with favourite BBK tracks including ‘Follow Me’, ‘Hooks’ and closing out with the final track of the album, ‘Cloak and Dagger’.

Black Bear Kiss have always reminded me of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who I adore, I wasn’t quite expecting them to sound as accomplished live but they do, great gig, great venue, good crowd and an awesome line up – what an a launch, what a night!

You can catch them at Quarantune Rocks this year on 7 October in Coalville – contact Quarantunerocks@gmail.com for info and ticket links.

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)