When you listen to Dances With Demons, you will be struck not only by the eclectic mix of musical styles, but by the depth and understanding of the powerful lyrics which are sometimes dark and disturbing, sometimes witty and acerbic, but always sensitive and beautifully observed. 

Anyone suffering with anxiety and similar mental health conditions may well begin to get the sense that they are not alone in their personal battles when listening to this album and that they are, in fact, part of a very exclusive club. 

Dances With Demons does not trivialise mental health. It is an honest and cutting statement that offers no definitive answers and no guarantees, but instead shines a light on a rocky path with the message that you can get through life. You can do this - and there are people that can help. 

But don't expect an album of maudlin songs heavy on self pity. The opening numbers carry you into a deceptively happy place before lowering the listener gently into the darkness of one man's personal battle with self-loathing, low esteem, loss of identity and self-isolation. You feel his pain and loneliness throughout Dances With Demons and the listener will see glimpses of themselves here and there, but there is a thread of hope running through the whole thing, together with a candid sense of humour that perfectly mimics the cynicism with which sufferers view the very systems that exist to help them deal with their condition. 

It's funny, informative and sensitive and you will find yourself singing along to the soaring melodies or dancing around your kitchen. If you suffer with demons of your own, you will understand this album and, if you don't, you will begin to understand what many people are privately going through, out of sight and out of mind. 

This is a very specifically-targeted album, with the two authors writing empathetically from their own experiences and it's certainly a collection of songs from the heart and they have written a lot of themselves into the lyrics, evidenced by some poignant moments of raw emotion, both in the music and in John's extraordinary voice and vocal range. Ivan Berryman and John Barden, who make up 99 Bears, are - how can I put this? - not especially young, although you could be fooled when listening to Dances With Demons...which you must. 

Terry Collins, Independent Reviewer.