Album Review: Boy & Bear – Suck On Light

Struggle, self-deprivation, and a light at the end of a gloomy tunnel – Suck On Light, the fourth studio album from Sydney groove-rock quintet Boy & Bear has it all. Classic '70s-style rock, the warm embrace of golden harmonies, and the unabashed, unafraid lyricism that addresses the more dire sides of life, all come together in a package that is both relatable and blissfully entertaining.

Vocalist David Hosking croons truthful lyrics like, "I was in real dire state, I was in the most awkward of ways" – it's striking how quickly we are acquainted with his personal struggles. It’s a joyous song, overall, with a happy ending and a happy vibe, the swell of strings supporting the bright electric groove of guitars in a very uplifting way.

And if you want a standout track that bottles up the story in a one fluid motion, that's Telescope. With easy grooves and pensive vocalisations, it’s a track that helps you understand the band's struggles without sounding dreary.

The music has a message, the melodies have meaning. Call it therapy, call it a be-good-to-yourself treat, Boy & Bear have tackled some very intense, very familiar negatives and turned them on their head to make a bright and hopeful album that will serve everyone well in years to come, no matter your mood.