Boy and Bear, Jinja Safari@The Metro, Sydney (2/06/11)

Tue 14th Jun, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Jinja Safari have had a massive year of live gigs, and word of their exciting and unpredictable afro-pop performances never fails to disappoint when you experience it for yourself. Unfortunately, for the first half of the set, the punters who had already packed room were busy chatting among themselves, meaning our forest rock friends had to work even harder to create the chaos on stage that usually captures the audience within moments.

Opening with Forest Eyes, there were a few sound issues that plagued the set throughout – nothing too dramatic, but it was just missing some fine polishing – mainly around the vocals, which were a struggle to hear at times. Although some of their stage antics don’t quite have the spontaneous feel they once did, you can’t help but smile and dance along to their new single Hiccups and signature sitar number, Peter Pan. When Marcus Azon introduces a new song with the advice to never fall in love with a mermaid, it’s clear that you can’t try and make too much sense of Jinja Safari, but that’s one of the great things about them. The other great thing is the energy level and vivacious percussion skills of Alistair Roach – seriously, how he doesn’t have a serious case of self-induced whiplash is a science defying mystery.

Although it was the same venue only minutes later, when Boy and Bear took the stage it felt like there were hundreds more people in the room – the anticipation and excitement was electric. The stage had a vintage, country town décor – worn but homely looking old suitcases were hung across the backdrop, with a mellow lighting on stage that helped to create a soft, welcoming feel. From the first song, front man Dave Hosking demonstrated his solo vocal strength, without the signature harmonies that sprinkle through the set. While he seamlessly leads the others through the group vocals, there’s no question he is just as brilliant singing alone.

The upbeat Mexican Mavis broke out early much to the crowd’s delight; the heavier guitar parts and snappy drums were the perfect way to set jovial tone for the rest of the night. With their hugely anticipated album to be released sometime this year, the crowd was treated to a few new songs – and although not shockingly different, these tracks were convincing that the band has cemented their own distinct style. There may be a few groups around at the moment with a similar folk feel, but there’s also a very unique ‘Boy and Bear’ mark stamped across their music.

While there is no surprise that the stand out parts of the set were the resounding, often enchanting vocal harmonies – similar to Fleet Foxes or Local Natives – the tempo was never too static. Blood to Gold is a fantastic example of Boy and Bear’s ability to create a song that feels like a journey in itself – soft verses that dramatically change pace into fast, energetic and engaging sections. The sweet melodies often contrast with sharp, crisp beats, and it’s a mix that works well and doesn’t allow you to stay idle for too long. And who doesn’t love a banjo?

Their now well known and adored cover of the Crowded House classic Fall at Your Feet brought the room to a standstill – goosebumps rose and tears threatened, the emotive nature of the mainly vocal rendition definitely not lost on this crowd. By the time the endearing, whistling favourite The Rabbit Song was played, people were well and truly rocking out – even the most guarded of wallflowers were at least tapping a foot. The band were all the more loveable for their gracious attitude on stage, and although humble to the responsive crowd, it didn’t stop them looking like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves too – and isn’t that what you always want to see at a gig?

The set was wrapped up beautifully with the recent Josh Pyke-esque single Feeding Line, again using their charming whistling talents without losing any momentum.
With the effort put into performing every song of their repertoire within the main set, it was a refreshing change that there was no need for a planned, false encore where the main single hasn’t yet been played – a pleasant, inspiring evening of promising Australian music.