On Bear Lake’s debut album Catch The Sun the band possesses a quirky likeability. The Michigan band is fixed somewhere between being a rock band and a pop band, but are at their best when they highlight their talents and get away from the labels.

Comparing themselves to more contemporary acts like The Shins or Jack Johnson does not showcase who the band really is. The 7-piece which includes the piano, organ, percussion and a rhythm guitar help the band display a full sound that seems a throwback to something from the past. The song “The Victory” could be a part of The Beatles early back catalog with its dark lyrics and jaunty beat. The song becomes the band’s clear standout number. On “Brown” lead singer Matt Hines wails like a 70s rock star over a heavy guitar. Bear Lake’s debut makes a strong effort to become a band that could be worth listening to.

- Shannon Carlin