By Ben Nicol
Regional Tour – Anita’s Theatre 22/09/2023
September 24, 2023
Promising Sydney trio STUMPS were a great opening act for early attendees, who were treated to an enticing array of indie-rock foot stompers. All eyes were glued to the stage as charismatic frontman Kyle Fisher danced fervently, all the while belting out tunes on the guitar. Tracks Mt. Pleasant and I’ve Had Enough were just a few of the standout songs that showcased the groups raw talent. Boy & Bear drummer Tim Hart might have put it best later in the evening, when he said they sounded like “a young Talking Heads playing.”
Running hot into their second week of an extensive regional tour, Boy & Bear showed no sign of slowing down, treating Anita’s Theatre to a mixture of old and new songs, as well as previously unreleased tracks that had laid dormant for 10 years, now released as part of their new EP.
Lead vocalist Dave Hosking had the crowd screaming from the outset when his distinctive voice began to croon over opening tunes Strange World and Bridges. The five-piece band had the onstage confidence of experienced veterans, who effortlessly transitioned from one song to the next, with a different guitar being swapped out after nearly every track.
Their cover of Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me) had the crowd dancing and singing along loudly. Drummer and backing vocalist Tim Hart introduced the track, hoping punters wouldn’t consider it to be “the wrong cover.” This was seemingly in reference to their massively popular 2010 cover of Crowded House’s Fall at Your Feet, which the band did not play. The fact that Hart jokingly referenced the song while also omitting it from the setlist appeared to be a very clear turn for the band, giving more focus to their own material.
Still, the packed-out crowd were treated to fan-favourites Southern Sun and Walk the Wire, which helped guarantee that Boy & Bear’s first time playing in Thirroul would be a memorable one.
See the full gallery by JohnnyD Photography HERE