Live Review: Boy & Bear, Holy Holy

Perth’s recent bout of unpredictable weather held up for the night under the stars with Boy & Bear, and made this sold-out show a night to remember.

Punters were already settling into their spots on the grass by the time opening act Holy Holy came on stage. They were a perfect introduction to the night as they charmed the crowd with their flawless set of smooth electric guitar riffs and catchy percussion beats, even throwing in a Neil Young cover.

There was barely an empty spot in sight by the time Boy & Bear came on. The crowd was eager and ready to welcome the Sydney quintet, as more and more of them packed to the front. Kicking off with a song from their second album, Harlequin Dream, Bridges was an apt start to the night, with the lead singer David Hosking crooning, “Get up and dance girl, I’m in a rock and roll band.”

Boy & Bear then went onto the Rabbit Song, which smoothly transitioned into Lordy May.

Despite the strong winds that cut through the venue, Fremantle Arts Centre was consistent in delivering audible and quality sound to all listeners present. Harmonies from the band melded beautifully into one and it sincerely felt like everyone in the band had an equal part to play to create the evening’s magic.

Old Town Blues and Part Time Believer provided an extended instrumental section where all the members had their fair share of showcasing their musical prowess, while A Moment’s Grace saw bassist Dave Symes take on drummer Timothy Hart’s role as Hart donned the banjo.

The lighting all through the night matched the beats Hart so steadily provided, creating a dramatic and sensory delight for all to enjoy. Surprises kept rolling in too, as they then brought out their unique rendition of Crowded House’s Fall At Your Feet, a cover they haven’t done in two years.
As it went on, the gig solidified why Boy & Bear are so loved as they constantly provided the audience with a good mix of old and new, like Arrow Flight, Southern Sun and My Only One.

Hosking provided some banter with the crowd every now and then, including jokes about New Zealanders and their opening act. The lead singer also forewarned the crowd that the band didn’t like encores, before finishing the night off with Feeding Line and a toned down Big Man.