The 2 Bears are a British musical duo formed in 2009, composed of Joe Goddard (of electronic band Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell (previously of 1965 Records). The duo produces original material amalgamating various styles, including , house, and soul, and also hosts a radio show on Ministry of Sound Radio entitled Follow the Bears. Critics offer various descriptions of The 2 Bears' sound, including "pop-hip-house", "liquid-bmore-house-step" and "rave-garage".Ralph Moore, Mixmag, June 2011. The duo has produced remixes for several established artists including Santigold, Metronomy, Toddla T and the View.
History
Raf Rundell, a former press officer, and Joe Goddard, one-fifth of electronic music band Hot Chip, met while working together at the Greco-Roman soundsystem parties. Joe has told how the band originated from the suggestion of a friend who proposed that he, Rundell, and Joe Mount (from the band Metronomy) form a band called 'The 3 Bears'. The band ultimately formed as a two-piece without Joe Mount.
During their formative studio sessions Rundell and Goddard created the tracks "Mercy Time" and "Be Strong", which went on to appear on their first EP Follow The Bears, released by Southern Fried Records in early 2010. Follow The Bears was supported by a subsequent remix EP featuring contributions from Derrick Carter and Supabeatz. The 2 Bears went on to release a further two EPs on Southern Fried Records, Curious Nature EP in the latter part of 2010 and Bearhug EP in early 2011. Both were accompanied by further remix EPs with contributors including Maxxi Soundsystem and Midland.
The 2 Bears' first complete album Be Strong was released on 29 January 2012 and was preceded by the single "Work" on 2 January. The single was included on the XFM playlist. They also made a mix album, 2 Bears 1 Love which featured Wiley, Toddla T, and remixes from the 2 Bears. Their second LP titled The Night Is Young was released in October 2014 on Southern Fried Records.
Discography
Albums Title Album details Peak chart positions UK AUS Be Strong Released: 30 January 2012 Label: Southern Fried Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download 35 83 The Night Is Young Released: September 2014 Label: Southern Fried Formats: Digital download 53 —
Remix albums Title Album details The Night Is Young (remixed) Released: 6 November 2015 Label: Southern Fried Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download Bears in Space Released: 11 May 2015 Label: Southern Fried Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
Extended plays
Title EP details Follow the Bears EP Released: 2010 Label: Southern Fried Formats: Vinyl, digital download Curious Nature EP Released: 2010 Label: Southern Fried Formats: Vinyl, digital download Bear Hug EP Released: 2011 Label: Southern Fried Formats: Vinyl, digital download Lambs Bread and Weepers EP Released: 2014 Label: Southern Fried Formats: Digital download Nowadays EP Released: 2025 Label: Ursounds Formats: Digital download
Singles
Year Single Peak chart positions Album UK UK Dance UK Indie 2011 "Bear Hug" 187 26 13 Be Strong 2012 "Work" — — —2014 "Angel (Touch Me)" — — — The Night Is Young "Not This Time" — — —
Notes
References
External links
Interview in Observer, 18 December 2011