REVIEW: Boy & Bear - Moonfire

Boy & Bear
Moonfire
(out of 5)

Moonfire is the debut album from Sydney based folk/roots band Boy & Bear. The band formed back in 2009 and was originally a solo project for singer/guitarist Dave Hosking. All members are strong singer songwriters and originally all fronted bands before joining Boy & Bear.

From first listen its easy to see why they were chosen as touring mates for Mumford & Sons during their Australian leg as they very much share a similar feel and momentum to their storytelling. Opening up the album is ‘Lordy May’, a cut back, piano lead, swelling piece of music contemplating life and death, one of the more introspective tracks on the album.

Following that we hit two strong singles in ‘Feeding Line’ and 'Milk & Sticks’. Two upbeat tracks that showcase the bands knack for a good melody.

The refreshing thing about this album is while it isn’t a brand new sound; these guys always keep it fresh and interesting on every track. It is clear moving through the album that the band members are accomplished musicians, with elements of the organ, on ‘Golden Jubilee’, banjo on ‘House and Farm’ and bongos accompany some beautiful harmonies on the short-lived ‘The Village’.

But perhaps the strongest element on the album is in the vocals and lyrics. Dynamic harmonies help to tell an intricate story on ‘Big Man’ and elsewhere on ‘Golden Jubilee’ Hosking displays some quick tongued wordplay that falls in place perfectly over the up-tempo beat.

It’s always an interesting experience hearing a band for the first time, without any preconceptions, and for me it was an exciting listening experience. A sound I would describe as crisp, organic and believable folk rock.

If you like Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes or Iron & Wine I think Boy & Bear should be right up your alley and I would even go as far as saying this album would trump the latest released from Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine, so I’d say they are certainly worth a listen.


Boy & Bear - Feeding Line

By Stu Gray