Getmusic

Boy & Bear-
With the recent release of their debut ‘With Emperor Antarctica’ in May this year, comes a fresh sound from the streets of indie folk. This five piece group manages to deliver fast paced yet relaxed, uncomplicated melodies with grace and strength; all within a five track EP. The sound is consistent throughout the EP with a sense of bravery in the first track, followed through by strong vocals and some grand tambourine. Stand out tracks include ‘Blood to Gold’ and ‘The Rain’. If you’re into the musical gems from Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons then Boy and Bear is another treasure you’ll hold dear to your heart. These aussie boys are bound to go far and maybe even make you proud to be Australian. -mish graham

Of four members of Boy & Bear, three were at one stage front men and song writers and all were apart of different bands before forming this one, this diverse set-up has aided the band up for a unique experience creating what we know now. Their sound of folk-rock or Nu-Folk is an easy listening, dream time experience that suits sunny days and grassy meadows.



It’s the kind of music that you don’t get tired of and can keep on repeat, it’s a warm sound that makes you want to embrace it and do nothing.



The sounds of the instruments and the lead vocals of Dave Hosking set the tone and emotion for the album; you’re able to feel what they feel, pain, love, sadness and joy. It’s a strength and rarity in today’s music where all the emotion is fully transferred to the listener.



Mexican Mavis and Rabbit Song have already been released, along with The Storm, those three singles are the strongest, but also set the sound for the EP, although only another two songs are left, they still capture the tone and all the songs are punchy and enjoyable to listen to.



Getting this album/EP will not let you down and it will be well worth the reward once it stats playing.

Boy & Bear may sound like the perfect ingredients for a fairytale but they’re actually a quintet from Sydney. Originally starting off as a solo project, the band is now made up of songwriters turned band mates who produce quality folk pop songs. The winners of Triple J’s Unearthed competition last year, With Emperor Antarctica is their debut EP.




The record boasts five songs of the self-proclaimed “drivey indie folk and choral harmony” variety. Think Mumford & Sons-esque folk pop with vocal harmonies that are a cross between Crosby, Stills & Nash and a choir of pubescent lads.




“Blood To Gold” has an old, Wild West feel before segueing off into the territory typically inhabited by the likes of Radiohead. Elsewhere, there are delicate guitar riffs aplenty. At times these are like soft whispers before they build up to form stunningly vast landscapes of colour with a pop lilt.




Basically, if you take the shiny pop sounds of The Shins and Cloud Control, throw in some stellar acoustic guitar work similar to José González and add a twist of the sweet lyrics you love in a Josh Pyke song, then you’ve got this record in a nutshell. In short, this group’s future looks as big and bright as their shiny pop numbers. Sublime.