North East band Bear Park say they are “beyond excited” to announce the release of their debut album… fittingly they’ve chosen Newcastle record shop Beyond Vinyl to exclusively sell the vinyl release.
The eponymously-titled long-player has been in the offing since the band: Shay Bagnall, Guy Robson and Adam Marshall — who featured in The QT a few months back — and their ear-catching fusion of alt rock, indie and pop caught the attention of The Libertines’ drummer, Gary Powell in 2023.
Having formed in 2019 when they were still at school, the band already had an EP under their belt when Powell, who has also produced the album, signed them to his 25 Hour Convenience Store label.
Recorded between The Libertines’ studio, the famous Albion Rooms in Margate, and Blast in Newcastle, Bear Park have been impatiently waiting to share the album with their fans in the lead up to last weekend’s release (June 14).
Singles Betty and Keep on Smiling — both sporting videos directed by University of Sunderland media student Maggie Barksby — have kept their fans happy, but now the wait is finally over and Bear Park is out in the world.
A headline gig at Newcastle venue, The Grove on Saturday (June 22) is set to be a special celebration.
While the vinyl version — pressed at Press on Vinyl on Teesside — is exclusively available from Beyond Vinyl for the first four weeks following its release, it can also be downloaded and streamed via all the usual places.
Singer Shay said: “Making this album has been an incredible experience and I can’t wait for everyone who’s supported us to finally hear it.”
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Guitarist Guy added: “We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this record and it’s mind boggling to be able to physically hold it! We’re looking forward to people being able to hear what we’ve been working so hard on.
“It feels amazing to see our record on the shelves.”
Beyond Vinyl, which is based in the John Marley Centre in the west of Newcastle, is offering a range of bundles to mark the release, including exclusive signed copies of the vinyl, a bundle with signed vinyl and signed handwritten song lyrics and a merch collection with signed vinyl, a signed song lyrics sheet, a t-shirt and pin badge.
Shop owner David McGovern said: “Bear Park are a breath of fresh air, continuing the trend of great bands hailing from the North East, with their thrilling mix of indie, alt rock and pop vibes, adding something a little different to the norm. It’s our standout album of the year so far.”
Bear Park’s debut album is available on vinyl from Beyond Vinyl. Tickets for Saturday’s gig can be booked via The Grove website and you can get more information on the band from www.bearparkmusic.com
