Himalayan Bear

If you ever find yourself staggering homeward as the birds of early morning start into their songs of the wee hours, you may well hear Chet's Ryan Beattie moonlighting as the Himalayan Bear, as though beckoning in the distance. Endowed with renowned and phenomenal vocal abilities that lie somewhere in between Edith Piaf, Hank Williams & Roy Orbison, the sheer breadth between the warm lows & staggering highs is ample beauty to beckon you further. Moreover it may be the song, crafted of gifted, mature pop sensibilities, that is the thing.

Following it, you may well further find that you are in fact on the shores of the northern Hawaiian island of Kau'ai, with the tempting croon of the Himalayan Bear slightly closer now. Waking then after having been lulled into some beautiful deep slumber, you find that Ryan has abandoned you drunkenly for the luau or another take at the tiki bar. But the song lingers still, haunting you. For your travels, you are adorned with a lay by a beautiful woman who then welcomes you… to Lo Lonesome Island.

“Ryan Beattie has a masterful voice that moves with such ease and grace.” –Discorder

In his first album of efforts committed to the Himalayan Bear moniker, “Lo Lonesome Island”, Ryan Beattie makes good on his appointment as one of the most beautiful siren voices this side Kau’ai itself. Rich with Polynesian themes and warmth, Lo Lonesome Island is an adept testament to the island mentality. Vocals that ascend, descend & crescendo as though rising high to the volcanic peaks, only to swoop down to meet the shores, complete with warn accompaniment so wholesomely comparable to the sway of the sea before it crashes upon the reef. Melded together with a tonality of resigned hopes and lonely crooning, this album proves an effective accomplishment in seizing and saddening its attentive audience. It may well sadden & disassemble you just enough for you to emerge humble & grateful for the experience.

“Ryan Beattie of Chet sings like a young Roy Orbison. If that doesn’t stop your heart nothing can.” –MetaFilter