Boy & Bear

Boy & Bear, a combo from Australia, built a following in the opening years of the 2010s with their moving and sincere indie folk-rock, echoing the approach of peers including Fleet Foxes, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Mumford & Sons. The platinum-certified Moonfire, their 2011 debut, generated major domestic attention and led to two straight albums that topped the charts plus repeated world tours. Returning after a three-year absence, they worked again on the dynamic Suck on Light, issued in 2019. Tasteful electronic additions appeared on their self-titled fifth album, which surfaced in 2023.

Originally launched in 2009 as a solo outlet for Sydney-based singer/songwriter Dave Hosking, the project expanded into a full band once guitarist Killian Gavin, bassist Jake Tarasenko, and brothers Tim on drums and Jon Hart on mandolin and keyboards joined. The resulting quintet quickly signed with Island Records after the strong response to their independently released opening single, "Mexican Mavis." Early 2010 brought the debut EP With Emperor Antarctica, while Moonfire arrived the next year, reached platinum status in Australia, and collected four ARIA Awards. The following year saw the first personnel change when Dave Symes replaced Tarasenko on bass. Recorded in Nashville, the 2013 sophomore set Harlequin Dream also performed strongly, entering the Australian charts at number one before earning platinum certification several years afterward.

Captured live in the studio onto tape wherever feasible under producer Ethan Johns, whose prior clients include Paul McCartney and the Vaccines, the third album reflected a move into guitar pop supported by synths. October 2015 saw the release of Limit of Love, which secured their second consecutive Australian chart-topper. After a stretch of personal upheaval the band reentered the studio and reemerged in 2019 with the triumphant Suck on Light. Striking a balance between digital and analog on their fifth effort, the spirited 2023 release Boy & Bear fused their established folk-pop sound with understated electronics.