Boy and Bear are back with sophomore release, Harlequin Dream, seeing the melodic folk-pop troubadours delve into a rich bluesy notion, and instantly suppress all possibility of the dreaded second-album syndrome.
Opener ‘Southern Sun’ is an instantly recognisable radio hit, with its upbeat rambling folk energy and infectious chorus. Chances are if you’ve listened to Triple J in the past month or so, you’re bound to have heard it and I dare say will continue too, with my bets placed for a probable contender in the Hottest 100.
Title track plays upon ruminating lyric and Dave Hosking’s swelling dreamscape vocal, with the added bonus of a saxophone solo somewhat channeling Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ forthwith conjuring a whole new evocative element to the track’s eclectic structure. By ‘A Moments Grace’, the layers of production are gently peeled back taking the band back to a simplistic folk-state of fumbling banjo, subtle strings, gentle horns and fervent lyric as Hosking croons, “No I am not gonna die this way…”
Gaining in momentum, ‘Arrow Flight’, making its vigorous concluding appearance; meandering amongst Hosking’s eloquent rectitude and intertwining genre infusions in what is quite the Mumford and Sons moment (totally a good thing). And as the record concludes itself upon its fading banjo twang, I am merrily assured that Boy and Bear have firmly established a reputable release that will have please previously established fans and capture hearts of many more to come.
8.5/10
Reviewer: Chloe Webb