Boy & Bear Harlequin Dream

Boy & Bear’s debut album begins with the gorgeous “Lordy May”, a contemplative indie folk song made more epic by its soulful harmonies, cinematic arrangement and poetic lyrics from guitarist and vocalist Dave Hosking: “When I come to my dying days/Won’t you promise me this/That I go in grace/And I’d be happy to just float away”. As far as first impressions go, it’s a good one. The Sydney quintet had released the With Emperor Antarctica EP prior to Moonfire, but while that collection suggested they were primed to join the Mumford & Sons-led nu-folk craze then sweeping the world, Moonfire speaks of a band with broader musical ambitions. The insistent electric guitar of “Feeding Line” and pummelling rhythms of “Milk & Sticks” make it clear the band owe as much to indie rock as they do Simon & Garfunkel, with the latter track’s rapidly shifting dynamics also suggesting an appreciation of prog. Though creative conflicts reportedly arose during the recording sessions with American producer Joe Chiccarelli, they did nothing to dim the finished product, with Moonfire instantly establishing Boy & Bear as one of Australia’s most reliable acts.