Inspired by artists including The Band, Dire Straits and Bruce Springsteen, Will Irvine and Jimmy Hunter started to write and perform as a duo with Jimmy playing lead guitar, mandolin and backing vocals, and Will on the rhythm guitar and singing lead vocals. Having started the band in Newcastle where they were studying at University they moved to London in 2012 to bring their own brand of power folk to the huddled masses. Gareth Thompson, drums and Chris Clark, bass, completed the line up in 2014.

Before I Come Home is Hunter & The Bear's latest EP. The four tracks (16 min, 58 sec) show a diversity of folk music

From the stripped back, mellow 'Pick Me Up' to the boppy 'Montana Men' to the rocking 'On The Run', this is an album for those who normally shy away from folk while still managing to excite hardcore folk fans.

It's full of energy and originality. This is folk for a new generation.

7

Nick Smithson