By hmcclure | November 15th, 2010
Boy and Bear is a band going places, and going to those places quickly. From their inception in 2009 (they were originally four separate bands), the five Sydney-based collaborators have gone from strength to strength and were recently nominated for the prestigious Triple J Unearthed Breakthrough award — other recent nominees have included Megan Washington, the John Steel Singers, and Art vs Science.
Their EP With Emperor Antarctica is a very short and very sweet affair, with five beautifully crafted gifts of folk goodness. The EP’s shortness isn’t an issue because it’s guaranteed to be stuck on repeat for hours.
The debut single “Mexican Mavis” combines haunting harmonies (each of the five members can bust out a sweet tune!), driving choruses, beautiful acoustic guitar, and precise percussion, all in the space of roughly three minutes. All musically trained professionals, they’re a phenomenon to behold live, constantly switching between instruments.
Recently, Boy and Bear was chosen to appear on the Tim and Neil Finn tribute album He Will Have His Way, covering the universally-loved track “Fall at Your Feet.” They have also recently toured with Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons, and are now setting off on their own tour of the UK.
Boy and Bear is happy.
Boy and Bear is tambourine.
Boy and Bear is good for you.
