I first heard Boy & Bear perform in a small bar in
Sydney’s Surry Hills. Aside from my companion, only four other people were
present.  The six of us witnessed
something very special- a divine hour of bliss in the form of a Boy & Bear
acoustic set.  Since that date many
months ago, the legend of Boy & Bear has continued to grow, and their
popularity has swollen beyond our national border, with members supporting
Laura Marling on her recent UK tour. 

Hence, I say in all seriousness, that for many fans, this debut
EP has been a long time coming.  So is it worth the wait?

In a word, yes. In two words? Hell yes.

Good god it is good. 
I generally despise artist comparisons in reviews. It reeks of laziness
and apathy. However, listening to With Emperor
Antarctica, you experience that same breath of freshness you felt when
first hearing

Fleet Foxes-

those
feelings of calm, stillness, purity and bliss.

The tracks are all too familiar to anyone who has caught a
Boy & Bear gig over the past few months; however it is a treat to be able
to enjoy their blend of quiet contemplation and jaunty folk at leisure.  Opener “Blood and Gold” introduces lead
vocalist Dave Hosking’s resonance, which meshes perfectly with the layered
harmonies of guitarist Killian Gavin and drummer Tim Hart.

Second single “Rabbit Song” is delivers quieter instrumental
arrangement and a meandering vocal line. 
These verses are juxtaposed against a bridge which features a precise
drumline.  The song twists and develops,
and is most certainly the most sophisticated inclusion on the EP. 

Debut single “Mexican Mavis” is included, as is their other
pre-EP release, “The Storm”, which was originally released under Dave Hosking’s
solo project.  The album version of “The
Storm” has slightly enhanced production values, and has increased the
reverb.  Nevertheless, the song has
retained its appeal, with the juxtaposition of a jaunty guitar riff against
intricate harmonies.

The final track “The Rain” is a new addition, and continues
the development which has occurred throughout “The Storm”, before returning the
listener to the quieter mode of Boy & Bear. 
For me, this track is perhaps the highlight of the release.  Hosking’s vocals are sublime, and the
mandolin which gurgles underneath shifts away from the pure folk, and seems to
reference the emerging alt-country scene. 
Is this symptomatic of their time with Laura Marling and Mumford &
Sons?  I don’t know, but I do like it.

How to fault the release? Well, five tracks is such a
tantalising teaser of what is to come, it truly leaves the listener wanting
more. And selfishly? Well, the EP is just so good that it ensures that the days
of catching these boys with just five other audience members are well and truly
over.

Review Score:

9/10.