After a four-year hiatus, Sydney’s own Boy & Bear returned for an exclusive performance at Cake Wines in Redfern to invited media and a handful of lucky competition winners. The indie folk-rock band took a break from the limelight following their third album Limit of Love. The time off appears to have rejuvenated the band’s creative passion. Playing a short but very sweet set, the event was a welcome back party that teased big things to come.

In a small corner by the bar, the band premiered three new songs for the densely packed audience. Titled ‘Suck On Love’, ‘Bird of Paradise’ and ‘Hold Your Nerve’, the new songs are noticeably less folky than previous releases. However, they are just as good. This was made clear when the band busted out hit singles ‘Walk the Wire’ and ‘Southern Sun’. Without missing a beat, the old and new blended together under the band’s familiar sound. They finished their set with a preview of their brand new single, ‘Hold Your Nerve’.

“I’d like to say thank you to Universal. They’re been with us from the start since before anyone else got around us and they’re still here now,” said front-man David Hosking of the band’s record label, before departing the stage.

While the performance was over almost as soon as it began, the night was not. Universal and Cake Wines provided a night of exquisite food and drinks. A constant rotation of wood-fired pizzas, ranging from spinach and ricotta to prosciutto and parmesan, while the drinks flowed. Taking time to show their appreciation for the audience, Boy & Bear worked the room, engaging fans over Grifter, Young Henrys and Yulli’s Brews beers. The five members showed their humility and gratitude throughout.

“You never know what it’s going to be like coming back after a break, but we feel good about it. As long as we give it 110% it will still be us,” noted Hosking.