Recommended Tracks: “Float Away,” “Water Your Flowers,” “Let Me Hate Myself”
Artists You Might Like: State Champs, Grayscale, Young Culture
Bearings return with their explosive, unfiltered fourth full-length album Comfort Company this Friday, November 7th, via Pure Noise Records.
After the release of their 2023 album The Best Part About Being Human and the jam-packed album cycle that followed, the Ottawa pop-punkers took the latter half of 2024 to focus all of their energy on the making of this new record, and it shows. Comfort Company is the most genuine and honest representation of their growth as artists that encompasses all the mixed, complex feelings of navigating through life’s obstacles.
The band tackles what it’s like to continue to be pushed forward in a world that never seems to slow down. With introspective lyricism, blistering guitars and anthemic choruses, Comfort Company was heavily influenced by the spiraling quiet that takes over once the adrenaline runs out on the road. Vocalist Dougie Cousins shares,
“A lot of the lyrics on the record are about being unsure of where you’re at, wanting to maybe move on to something else. Maybe it’s a full-time job, maybe it’s the next step in life or an actual change of scenery. Metaphorically, it just felt like the catalyst for looking ahead to something else.”
“Comfort Company” kicks things off with an upbeat, piercing guitar riff that sets the scene for the rest of the record. The track sees Bearings re-introduce the infectious and vigorous energy that’s become synonymous with their sound, but with a more refreshing, dialed-in strength. The title track embodies every emotion that the group has tirelessly poured into this record, and effortlessly locks in the listener for what’s to come.
“Float Away” is one of the catchiest moments on Comfort Company and it features State Champs’ Derek DiScanio. The album’s second single is anchored by a sense of being lost in your own world only to be brought back down to earth again by reality. Bearings and DiScanio channel a feel-good energy backed by complementing vocals and a bouncy instrumental that’s destined to resonate with live crowds.
Bearings first stepped back onto the scene with the arrival of “Quick Release” in August. The blistering, guitar heavy anthem is an enticing effort that pays tribute to their dedication and hard work as musicians. It’s a hard-hitting track that highlights the unwavering desire to find your purpose and stick with it through both the good and the bad moments.
“Feel Less” keeps up the pace with its driving guitars and percussion as Cousins sings of spiraling emotions and reminisces on better times. The existential crisis continues with “Freaking Me Out,” an intensely catchy track that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever experienced self-doubt to the highest degree.
Bearings continues to grapple with the draining reality of adulthood on “Water Your Flowers.” The high-energy track’s urgent instrumental contrasts the feelings of burnout and numbness found in the lyrics, with Cousins questioning, “As I’m getting older / Is it a calming feeling / To feel nothing at all?” The bridge of “Water Your Flowers” also features a thrilling guitar solo that serves as one of the most exciting sonic moments on Comfort Company thus far.
“Never Ending Cycle” most closely resembles Bearings’ early work, especially the sound of 2020’s Hello, It’s You. “Ease The Pressure” is another heavy-hitter, and arguably the most intense addition to Comfort Company. Cousins echoes, “Take a deep breath and let it go” before the rest of the band comes through with an urgent force that’s sure to fuel a circle pit or two.
If Comfort Company proves anything, it’s that Bearings aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. “Through Those Eyes” keeps the record’s momentum with Cousins’ stirring vocals and a fast-paced production that feels both cathartic and revitalizing. The track tackles being haunted by the past and desperately wanting to see things from another’s perspective.
“Let Me Hate Myself” is a mesmerizingly raw finale that sees Bearings at their most vulnerable. The track expresses the desire to hold onto a fleeting love despite dealing with insecurities and knowing that the ship is sinking. In addition to Cousins’ moving performance, the song features additional vocals from guitarist Ryan Culligan and bassist Collin Hanes.
Comfort Company is unapologetically Bearings at its core. Recorded at the same studio as their debut EP and album, this record is a reflection on all of the ways the group has grown together as artists and a full-circle reconnection with their roots. The ten tracks see Bearings capture the never-ending momentum of life through a more mature and self-assured lens.
Between the sleepless nights, existential questions and lighthearted panic associated with growing up, this album is the soundtrack to trying to find yourself amidst the wreckage of change. Comfort Company is a fun, cohesive pop-punk project that’ll only get better the second it’s performed on a stage in front of an eager audience.
Bearings are set to hit the road as direct support for As It Is on their upcoming US tour starting this Friday, November 7th, in Boston; the same day Comfort Company releases. The band will also be heading out for some headlining dates shortly after with support from House & Home and Second Harbour. Tickets and information for all of Bearings’ upcoming shows can be found here.
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