Bearings is a Canadian rock band that has carved a significant niche for itself within the modern music landscape. Characterized by their vibrant fusion of pop-punk energy, alternative rock sensibilities, and the heartfelt introspection of emo, the band has cultivated a dedicated following since its inception. Their journey is one of consistent evolution, marked by a commitment to melodic craftsmanship and lyrical sincerity. From their independent origins in Ottawa, Ontario, to their status as mainstays on the international touring circuit, Bearings has created a catalog of music that resonates with themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Their work has not only contributed to the vitality of the pop-punk genre but has also found a welcome home in celebratory, nostalgia-driven events like Pittsburgh Emo Night, where the spirit of the scene is kept alive and well. This biography provides a chronological and thematic analysis of the band’s career, charting their course from nascent up-and-comers to influential figures in their genre.
Formation and Early Era
The foundation of Bearings was laid in a landscape rich with musical history, yet the band emerged with a sound that was distinctly their own. Their early years were defined by a raw energy, a DIY ethic, and the gradual honing of a musical identity that would come to define them. This period saw the band release a series of foundational EPs that not only built their initial fanbase but also caught the attention of the wider music industry.
Origins and Formation
Bearings formed in 2014 in Ottawa, Ontario, a city with a robust and diverse music scene. The initial lineup consisted of vocalist Doug Cousins, guitarist Ryan Culligan, guitarist Ryan Fitz (Fitzpatrick), bassist Collin Hanes, and drummer Mike McKerracher. From the outset, the members shared a collective passion for the energetic and emotive sounds of late ’90s and early 2000s pop-punk and alternative rock. Influenced by bands that masterfully blended catchy hooks with substantive lyrics, Bearings began writing music that aimed to capture this duality. Their early chemistry was evident, built on a shared drive to create songs that were both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. They spent their formative period playing local venues, building a reputation for their high-energy live performances and their tightly constructed songs. This grassroots approach was crucial in establishing their presence within the Canadian music scene and laying the groundwork for their future success.
Early Discography
The band’s early output consists of a series of independent EPs that effectively showcased their evolving sound. Their debut EP, Higher Ground, was released in 2015. This initial offering was a powerful statement of intent, featuring raw production and an urgent energy that was indicative of their pop-punk roots. Tracks from this EP demonstrated their ability to craft memorable melodies and anthemic choruses. This was followed by the Home Is… EP, which continued to refine their sound. The songwriting showed increased maturity, with more nuanced lyrical themes and dynamic song structures.
However, it was their 2017 EP, Nothing Here Is Permanent, that marked a significant turning point. Released via the prominent independent label Pure Noise Records, this EP brought the band to a much wider audience. The production was more polished, and the songwriting was more confident and focused. Tracks like “Letters Home” and “Petrichor” became fan favorites, lauded for their poignant lyrics and infectious energy. The EP solidified their genre identity, blending elements of alternative rock with their core pop-punk sound, a combination that would become their signature. This release was a critical step, bridging the gap between their independent beginnings and their subsequent breakthrough into the mainstream.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following the success of their early EPs, Bearings stood at the precipice of a major career milestone. Their signing to Pure Noise Records provided them with a platform to reach a global audience, and their debut full-length album would prove to be the vehicle for their mainstream breakthrough. This era was characterized by a significant increase in visibility, critical acclaim, and the cementing of their status as a leading band in the modern pop-punk movement.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The pivotal album that propelled Bearings into the international spotlight was their debut full-length, Blue in the Dark, released on October 12, 2018. The album was a culmination of the sound they had been developing for years, but with a newfound sense of polish and ambition. The record masterfully balanced upbeat, energetic tracks with more introspective and melancholic moments, showcasing the band’s dynamic range. Lyrically, the album delved into themes of relationships, self-reflection, and the anxieties of navigating young adulthood, striking a chord with a broad audience. The production, handled by Seth Henderson (known for his work with bands like Knuckle Puck and Real Friends), was crisp and powerful, allowing the intricate guitar work and Cousins’ emotive vocals to shine. While the core lineup remained stable through this period, the band’s dynamic as a creative unit was clearly strengthened, resulting in their most cohesive and impactful work to date.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
Blue in the Dark was met with widespread critical acclaim. Publications and fans praised the album for its sincerity, its memorable hooks, and its seamless blend of pop-punk and alternative rock. Singles like “Aforementioned,” “Eyes Closed,” and the title track “Blue in the Dark” received significant attention, lauded for their anthemic qualities and emotional depth. The success of the album led to extensive touring opportunities, with Bearings supporting major acts in the genre and embarking on their own headlining runs across North America and Europe. This constant touring, combined with the album’s positive reception, significantly grew their fanbase. Their music became a staple on playlists celebrating the new wave of pop-punk, and their energetic live shows further solidified their reputation. The album established Bearings not just as a promising new band, but as a formidable force within the scene, capable of crafting songs that were both commercially accessible and artistically credible. Their success demonstrated the enduring appeal of well-crafted, emotionally honest rock music.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
With a successful debut album under their belts, Bearings entered a new phase of their career, one focused on artistic growth and evolution. The band sought to expand their sonic palette while remaining true to their core identity. This period was marked by significant musical experimentation, as well as a major event that would test the band’s resilience and adaptability.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The band’s sophomore album, Hello, It’s You, released on November 20, 2020, represented a significant sonic shift. While Blue in the Dark was firmly rooted in modern pop-punk, Hello, It’s You saw the band embracing a wider range of influences, incorporating elements of ’90s alternative rock, indie pop, and even a touch of ’80s new wave. The album was brighter, more colorful, and more rhythmically diverse than its predecessor. Tracks like “Sway” featured a groovy, danceable rhythm section, while “Super Deluxe” incorporated shimmering synths and a more polished, pop-oriented production. This evolution was a deliberate choice, as the band aimed to create a record that felt fresh and exciting. Lyrically, the album maintained the band’s signature sincerity, but with a more optimistic and outward-looking perspective. The sonic experimentation on Hello, It’s You was a bold move that paid off, showcasing their versatility as songwriters and their willingness to push the boundaries of their genre.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
A significant event during this period was the departure of founding guitarist Ryan “Fitz” Fitzpatrick in October 2022. In an amicable split, Fitzpatrick announced he was leaving the band to pursue other interests, expressing his gratitude for his time with Bearings and his pride in their accomplishments. The band, in turn, wished him well, emphasizing that he would always be a part of the Bearings family. Such a departure can often be a destabilizing event for a band, especially when it involves a founding member who has been integral to the group’s sound. However, Bearings demonstrated their resilience, choosing to move forward as a four-piece. This change inevitably had an impact on their creative process and live dynamic, but it also opened the door for a new chapter in the band’s evolution, forcing them to adapt and redefine their sound in his absence.
Modern Era
Entering their modern era as a quartet, Bearings faced the task of forging a new path while honoring their established legacy. This period has been defined by a return to their roots, a renewed sense of purpose, and a continued commitment to creating music that connects with their audience on a personal level. Their recent work reflects a band that is confident in its identity and clear in its artistic vision.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
The band’s third full-length album, The Best Part About Being Human, was released on August 18, 2023. The album marks a stylistic return to the more direct, guitar-driven sound of their earlier work, while retaining the melodic sophistication of Hello, It’s You. Many have viewed it as a “back-to-basics” record, one that strips away some of the more polished production of its predecessor in favor of a rawer, more organic feel. The album is packed with anthemic, feel-good tracks like “Slip” and “Ocean Dream,” which feature massive choruses and an overarching sense of optimism. Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and the simple joys of life, encapsulated by its wholesome and life-affirming title. Following the album’s release, Bearings has remained a fixture on the road, touring extensively and connecting with fans across the globe. Their contemporary activity demonstrates a band that is creatively energized and dedicated to their craft, continuing to write, record, and perform with the same passion that fueled their formation.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
Bearings’ influence extends beyond their recorded music. They are part of a generation of bands that have kept the flame of pop-punk and emo burning brightly for a new audience. Their music serves as a bridge between the classic sounds of the genre and its modern-day incarnation, making them a particularly relevant and celebrated act within the scene.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Within the realms of pop-punk, alternative rock, and emo, Bearings has established itself as a benchmark for quality and sincerity. They have proven that there is still a strong appetite for music that is emotionally direct, melodically rich, and instrumentally dynamic. Their success has helped to validate the ongoing relevance of guitar-driven rock music in an era often dominated by other genres. They are frequently cited alongside contemporaries like The Story So Far, Neck Deep, and Knuckle Puck as key players in the modern pop-punk revival. Their ability to evolve their sound across three distinct albums without alienating their core fanbase is a testament to their songwriting prowess. They have influenced younger bands by demonstrating that it is possible to honor the traditions of the genre while still pushing its boundaries and incorporating a diverse range of sounds.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The music of Bearings is perfectly suited for the energetic and communal atmosphere of events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. These nights are celebrations of a specific era and ethos in music, and Bearings’ catalog fits seamlessly alongside the classic anthems of the 2000s. Their songs, with their massive, singalong choruses and deeply personal lyrics, tap into the same vein of emotional expression that defines the emo and pop-punk genres. For attendees of a Pittsburgh Emo Night, hearing a Bearings track is not a departure from the nostalgic theme, but an enhancement of it. It serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of this music is not confined to the past; it is a living, breathing entity, carried forward by bands like Bearings. Their presence on these playlists and in these DJ sets ensures that the bridge between the genre’s golden era and its vibrant present remains strong, offering a complete and authentic experience for every fan in the room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bearings
- What genre is the band Bearings?
- Bearings is primarily classified as a pop-punk and alternative rock band. Their music often incorporates elements of emo, characterized by introspective and emotional lyrics, as well as the high-energy instrumentation typical of the pop-punk genre.
- Where is the band Bearings from?
- The band Bearings was formed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, in 2014.
- Who are the members of Bearings?
- As of their latest album, the members of Bearings are Doug Cousins (vocals), Ryan Culligan (guitar), Collin Hanes (bass), and Mike McKerracher (drums).
- What was Bearings’ debut album?
- Bearings’ debut full-length album is titled Blue in the Dark, which was released on October 12, 2018, through Pure Noise Records.
- Has Bearings had any lineup changes?
- Yes, in October 2022, founding guitarist Ryan “Fitz” Fitzpatrick announced his departure from the band. They have continued as a four-piece since his departure.
- What is the latest album from Bearings?
- The latest album from Bearings is The Best Part About Being Human, which was released on August 18, 2023.
