My Name Is Bear is Nahko's first release as a solo artist, some 18 years in the making.
Largely inspired by his personal journey to reunite with his birth mother at the age of 21, Nahko takes listeners on a personal journey of search for self and self-realisation. Coming to terms with such in lyrics, "I survive. This is resistance, I survive", which resonate and echo out slowly.
Opening track Dragonfly is drawn from a poem written at a young age, to his older, present self. Setting the tone for the remaining tracks, its message is emphasised with triumphant violins and hand percussion.
Nahko draws influence from and paints pictures with the everyday ephemera of nature in trickling streams and chirping birds; and interweaves it with elements of reggae, folk, classical strings and jazz horns.
Sing Him Of My Revelations is a highlight both lyrically and in arrangement; with imagery conjured in "I reach for a constellation that seems to be growing, growing stronger than me." It plays upon the happy-sad theme heard throughout My Name Is Bear, with contradicting elements of spiritual upset combined in upbeat folk, fiddle and acoustic claps.
Overall, Nahko continues in his effortless knack for melody and demonstrates a maturity lyrically; a welcome departure from his signature blanket-positivity. An album that will change with listeners over time.
