Posted by Danni Le Toullec on November 1, 2010
This All Hallows' Eve, there were no ghouls or witches, no carved out pumpkins or skeletons, just a band called Boy & Bear and a steamy sold out gig at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory.
Drawing inspiration from the 'Americana big harmony vibe', Jake Tarasenko, Jon Hart, Killian Gavin and Tim Hart have come together with Dave Hosking to form a unique quintet. Unlike many other bands, each member was originally the frontmen of their own bands. In a scenario which would usually be a collision of monster egos, this collaboration works surprising well, allowing each member to bring their unique musicality to the table.
For the last show of their Blood to Gold tour, their rapidly growing fan base was treated to a bunch of new songs and spectacular covers. Despite a delay of almost forty minutes and some initial guitar sound hiccups, restlessness was eradicated the second Dave Hosking opened his mouth. Leading the harmony which evokes Fleet Foxes comparisons, Hosking's vocals were flawless. Launching into 'The Storm', it's easy to see why Boy & Bear were selected as the feature artist on Triple J's unearthed program in 2009, eventually taking out the competition.
The up-tempo track 'Blood to Gold' showcased their ability to blend hoe-down country style guitar picking with indie undercurrents. The two supporting acts Passenger and The Chemist were invited back to the stage, for a beautiful rendition of Bon Iver's Flume. With eleven grown men on the stage, they effortlessly pulled it off.
Moving from strength to strength, they played 'Rabbit Song', 'House and Farm' and the spectacular 'Mexican Mavis'. Although they have not been performing encores, the lads went all out for their last show with a cover of Crowded House's 1991 classic 'Fall at your Feet'. The much loved track was done over with a stomping bass line and vocals that literally made my heart skip a couple beats.
Having toured Britain with Laura Marling and Australia with the likes of Mumford & Sons, Angus and Julia Stone and Hungry Kids of Hungary, Boy & Bear is proving themselves as one of Sydney's most promising acts. The band will take a short break before heading to the UK at the end of November for a string of shows in Ireland and England then returning to Australia for the Summer festival season.
boy & bear, oxford art factory, the chemist, passenger, rabbit song, mexican mavis, blood to gold