The ShortListen: Bear's Den (no. 221)

Who? Bear's Den

What’s the story? First, we need to get something out of the way: we are delighted that Bear's Den all proudly sport beards. Bears are furry - so Bear's Den should be too. Glad that's sorted. Now onto the music. We are delighted to be premiering an exclusive live version of a fan favourite, Her Tears, by the London three-piece, recorded in the stunning setting of a sold-out gig at Vondelkerk in Amsterdam earlier this year. The original featured on the deluxe digital version of their 2014 debut album Islands, which was released on Communion Records, the label founded by the band's Kevin Jones, along with Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett and producer Ian Grimble. Understandably, there're echoes of Mumford here, with the banjo present and correct. It's a gorgeous song, with superb harmonies, in a stunning setting. Sure it's not a Christmas song, but crack open a mulled wine and enjoy this gentle, warm track as if it were.

For fans of: Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Mumford & Sons

In three words: Delicate acoustic excellence