Brooklyn – Wednesday night at the Music Hall of Williamsburg boasted a sold-out bill and a whole heap of alt-folk rock lovers, some still drenched from the night’s rainy temperaments. On deck to ease the mid-week blues was Sydney’s own Boy & Bear, supported by Nettwerk Music Group label mates Run River North. The night was one of many stops these indie wonders have stacked up as of late, and a memorable evening full of omnipotent energy.
The band took the stage a hair past 10PM and the set commenced in utter darkness. Red lighting transitioned the crew into view, and the night’s opening track, “Bridges,” was met with unabashed approval from the audience. As if on cue, a cadre of smartphones was unearthed to capture the band in the flesh and illuminated the venue floor like a swarm of digital fireflies.
The band’s roster includes Dave Hosking, Killian Gavin, Tim Hart, Jon Hart, Dave Symes and Jake Tarasenko. Boy & Bear officially formed in 2009, but it wasn’t until the following year that the group’s debut EP, With Emperor Antarctica, came to light. The band then released their first full-length effort, Moonfire, in 2011 via Universal Music Australia abroad and Island Records in the US. Harlequin Dream, their second LP, surfaced in 2013. Most recently, the band has been touring like a troop of inexhaustible madmen, and in August released a single, “Three Headed Woman,” in the thick of their hectic, global trek.
In the interim before striking into their second track of the evening, and without a word, front man Hosking took a walkabout onstage and exchanged knowing smiles with the talented musicians by his side. “Lordy May” was similarly welcomed with deafening approval from the crowd and set a thumping pace for the set that was to unfurl.
As Boy & Bear muscled through a slew of tracks from their first and second LPs, the crowd’s adoration gained speed. This band’s sound is irrevocably folksy, and effortlessly transplants listeners to a proverbial cabin in the woods that most urban dwellers intuitively long for. The ambience was graced with a sense of inward escape, and ultimately offered up a vital decampment from the daily grind.
“Thank you all so much for being here, “ Hosking said mid-set, “I was about to say how’re you all doing, but it seems like you’re doing pretty well!”
With that, the band struck into the night’s evident pinnacle delivery. Early on, “Fall At Your Feet” was a track that propelled this band to global visibility. The song is a cover of and tribute to New Zealand/Australian rock group Crowded House that dates back to the 90s. Performed live, it maintained its holistic authenticity with vociferous force.
One hour into the night’s enchantment, and nearing the end of the show, Hosking addressed his audience for a second time. “When you come from around the world to perform and a whole crowd comes out to see you it’s a bit meaningful,” he said. “So, thank you,” he added with a humble grin.
“We played at Bowery Ballroom a couple months ago,” he continued, “ but I have to be honest. You guys are much more awesome.” Though previous concertgoers might be dismayed to hear it, Wednesday night’s audience was irrefutably and incomparably on fire with audible appreciation and not a soul in attendance could argue Hosking’s feedback.
After one or two additional and high caliber renderings, Boy & Bear excused themselves from the stage with reiterated thanks and the audience cycled out into Brooklyn’s rain-stained streets with unfettered fulfillment. Start gearing up for news of Boy & Bear’s third LP to surface – it promises to make serious waves.
Go HERE for the full list of Boy & Bear’s scheduled tour dates.
Liz Rowley
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