Being in a band is a difficult business right now. Gone are the days of going to your local record store, putting on a pair of headphones, hearing something new that you like and buying the album straight away. Bands generally rely on social media to get the word out there, and listeners now expect to get their music for nothing. Yes, there are those of us who still buy albums – I personally like to have something tangible as well as supporting hard-working bands financially.
Of course, a vital market to get interested is teens – they are the future of music in every way and have been since the 50s when “the teenager” really started to exist. You know what I mean.
It was, therefore an absolute pleasure to go to a gig and see a gaggle of teens standing at the front, adoringly watching their favourite band’s every move and singing every syllable.
I am talking about Hunter and the Bear when they appeared at Voodoo Lounge in Stamford on Friday 17th February 2017 as a warm-up gig in the run-up to the tour for their debut album “The Paper Heart”. Of course, their audience wasn’t limited to the youth of today – there was a great mix of people who seemingly followed the guys around the country! That, for me, is the mark of a band who has something a little bit special…
Supporting was Anglo-American singer/guitarist Pembroke Tenneson. He had immediate stage presence and a smile that could melt the iciest of hearts. He proceeded into a lovely acoustic set of self-written songs and covers, largely favouring Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles – a big thumbs up from me!
Lively, cheeky and engaging, he had the audience on his side within seconds, especially his two lady hecklers who I think had more on their mind than just the music! I will be seeing Tenneson again – he’s got a fair few gigs listed for this year already, so urge you to do the same!
Pembroke Tenneson’s setlist:
World Keep on Turning (Fleetwood Mac)
Look Out Below
Black Books
Good to Me
Oh Well/Heartbreak Hotel (Fleetwood Mac, Elvis)
Blackbird (Beatles)
The Fracking Song
Watch Your Man
Green River/Born on the Bayou (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Coffee
Bipolar Love
I Believe in Miracles (Hot Chocolate)
A Day in the Life (The Beatles)
Just moments later, Hunter and the Bear launched themselves onto the stage in a pleasingly rock n’ roll fashion! The entire set was high energy, slowing down only slightly to catch their breath during their calmer-paced tracks.
This band has been compared to popular folk bands such as Of Monsters and Men and Mumford and Sons, but for me the guys have a much more rock edge to their style, complete with a solo from each band member (Chris’ bass solo was most excellent…!) and definitely the image to go with it. Comparisons are way too freely made on this occasion methinks!
I couldn’t stop smiling during the entire gig – the band’s energy was infectious and the effect on the crowd was that they were mentally tethered to the guys and their music throughout.
Hunter and the Bear are garnering a reputation a lot of bands these days would be envious of. They’ve got a following, they’ve got charisma and attitude, they’ve got awesome tunes, they’re getting gigs at great venues and most of all they’re selling tickets and hopefully albums aplenty.
I came away from the gig tonight feeling happier than I have in ages and with a brand new favourite band in my heart.
Hunter and the Bear’s setlist:
Who’s Gonna Hear You
Hologram
Hey, My Love
Renegade
Evelyn
Burn it Up
Blood Red Skies
Warrior
I Am What I Am
You Can Talk
D.R.K.
Oh, Daisy
Won’t You Ever Come Home
Like a Runaway
Paper Heart
Nickajack
My advice? Get along and see them on their upcoming tour before they’re playing venues where you can’t get close anymore!
Music vs. The World 