Album Review: Bear's Den - Red Earth & Pouring Rain

American rock meets English folk in the second album from Bear's Den, Red Earth & Pouring Rain, leaving heartache behind them as they start the next chapter after the departure of guitarist Joey Haynes earlier this year.

The title track is taken over by tambourines and electric keys while Napoleon is beautiful as vocalist Andrew Davie puts his soul into the song as the soft melody of guitars ringing out in the background. Relationships crumble in Greenwoods Bethlehem and continue in Broken Parable which brings up deep emotions with lyrics like "Did I not love enough?" as the trumpets fade in the background as the track closes.

The British rockers regrouped to create an album that channeled all their emotions into powerful folk ballads like soft dreamy tune Love Can't Stand Alone. Roses On A Breeze is beautiful with its soft guitars and Davie's deep vocals as he sings "Somewhere deep down I still believe you'll always be the love of my life," making the listener want to reach for the tissues.

Red Earth & Pouring Rain is definitely an ambitious folk-rock album, full of heartfelt lyrics, giving it a deep emotional feel, a great album to take on a long drive to think things through or just cry. The only thing the album lacks is energy and happiness, even though there are upbeat tracks like Dew On The Vine and Emeralds, but lyrically they are still very heavy with emotions. Number one break-up album goes to Bear's Den. Now please pass the tissues.