As I write this article, Sydney’s Boy and Bear are representing Australia (alongside An Horse at the iconic Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago, USA. But just a few days ago they celebrated the launch of their new album Moonfire with a hometown intimate gig for iTunes Live at the Apple Store on George Street.
As is so often the case with these sorts of gigs, there was a line around the black as people tried to get themselves into the exclusive performance, and no doubt many left disappointed. However, while some may have missed the performance, it wasn’t too long ago that they were playing venues just as small as this. Check out this review from the beginning of 2010, playing the intimate QBar during SOSUEME. Where were you guys then!? It really is amazing how quickly this band exploded, huh?
But let’s focus on the gig at hand… the popular “Mexican Mavis” came early, while Jake Tarasenko let loose his inner Star Wars fan, referencing the venue as aesthetically similar to a location from Episode I. “The Storm” followed soon after, latest single “Milk and Sticks” proved popular, as did “Part Time Believer” and “Big Man”. Dave Hosking played tribute to “Rabbit Song” saying how much debt they owe to the song, and how he still enjoys playing it. The nine track set losed up with “Feeding Line”, though one of the most memorable moments came earlier, when Dave, the band’s lead singer, humorously stumbled up on his lines, citing the irony of screwing up the one time it’s being recorded live!
In spite of the momentary lapse, this was yet another impressive performance from the Sydney based band. What would make a gig memorable if it wasn’t for the moments that make them unique!? And in addition to all this, it was simply a pleasure to get to experience them in an intimate space once again.
The full set will soon be available exclusively on iTunes, so keep your eyes open for it! It will accompany their last iTunes Live EP, which was recorded at their ARIA Awards concert last year. And for those that couldn’t get into the performance, they’ll naturally be returning for a tour later this year!
Good luck to the boys at Lollapalooza and we all hope you have a copy of Moonfire! Their highly anticipated debut record a superb listen…
