Hunter & the Bear at Rockwood Music Hall

The four-piece that is Hunter & the Bear took to the stage Tuesday night at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall, embarking on their first ever US tour. Comprised of young gents from Scotland and England, the band played its first gig in the States as part of the Communion Residency, and will be seen again on the ticket for the ever popular CMJ Showcase late next week.

Hunter & the Bear

An early opener, the band managed to draw in a packed crowd, most of who made the decision to forgo hitting up the other stages and sticking around to see what these boys had to offer – and no one was left disappointed. Although new to the US scene, Hunter and the Bear have been on an accelerated rise to the top in the UK. While dubbed in the popular “folk-rock” category, they definitely have an edge and electricity to them, with a hint of celtic sound working its way in.

Hunter & the Bear

With no setlist (at least not visible), they flowed rapidly from one song to the next, even adding a new piece they had never played live before. There is a notable chemistry between the band on stage which makes watching them that much more enjoyable.

Hunter & the Bear

Wildfire, their latest EP, was released in July of 2015 and the summer saw them on a tour of France and the UK, even gaining a spot at the coveted Reading and Leeds Festival. Prior to that they had been openers for Eric Clapton and had their own headlining tour earlier in the year.

Hunter & the Bear

Following the set, the band were gracious enough to spend time chatting with new fans and seemed in awe of the immediate response to their performance. Lead singer Will Irvine said that the new song they debuted was titled, “Hey, My Love“, and from the crowd’s perspective seemed to be a favorite of the night – indicating there is much more to come from this young quartet.