Boy & Bear - Sydney - June 30 2023

Despite having just released a new album, Boy & Bear took the unusual step of asking their fans what they’d like to hear on this tour and then filled the setlist with old favourites. There were however four songs from their new self titled album scattered throughout the show, including the opening number and one of the encores, both of which I captured: Strange World (00:25) Back Down the Black (04:50) Long Long Way (11:46) Don't You (Forget About Me) (16:53) Feeding Line (22:22) State of Flight (27:45) Southern Sun (32:16) Matt Ottignon joined the band on saxophone for three songs. It was the first time I’ve sat in one of the new wings of the lounge at the Enmore Theatre and I wasn’t overly impressed. While I was much closer to the stage, I was also too close to the speakers and the sound was very poor. In fact, I’m surprised this video has turned out sounding as good as it does. That wasn’t my impression on the night. I was somewhat disappointed as I’d been very much looking forward to Boy & Bear’s beautiful vocals and marvellous tunes. But those downstairs with general admission certainly enjoyed themselves. It was a sold out show of very enthusiastic fans. While I do like the Enmore, sound quality can vary greatly throughout the theatre. Or am I just getting fussy in my old age?