Illuminator - "Tangled With Bear"

When Brooklyn genre-straddling rockers Illuminator gave the first peek of their upcoming sophomore record Soul Sister with "Gulf Hymn", it was clear they were on to something special. A very different special from their fantastic debut record Answer Voice The Child but special nonetheless. Their latest single "Tangled With Bear" extrapolates on this in a way I don't thnk anyone expected.

"Tangled With Bear" unfurls with gentle, bluesy guitar licks before quickly picking up momentum (though making sure you're already on board with its slower, organic start) - snaking around exciting jags and boughs of restrained psychedelia. The emotive power of Bryn Bellomy's vocals all the more sublimating, more effective unhampered by effects. It's a 6.5 minute piece of moving, grooving rock sprawl with just a hint of drama that pushes it towards its eventful conclusion.

On "Tangled With Bear", Illuminator are certainly bringing their A game. Dishing up a soulful rock jam that might very well be one of the best songs the band has released thus far. It's the kind of track that makes the wait for the yet disclosed street date for the upcoming album or even the next single seem like a painful chore.  Until then I'll just keep "Tangle With Bear" on infinite repeat. You might want to do so too.




If you're in the New York area make sure you go to see Illuminator open up for Alt-J at Mercury Lounge (if you can score tickets), it's sure to be a night you won't soon forget. Tickets here.