Angus and Julia Stone are pure pleasure of the aural (and visual) kind, and the third instalment in this duo’s catalogue doesn’t stray from this. Their self-titled album, Angus & Julia Stone, is more directional and carries a certain amount more swagger than their previous records. It’s less acoustic-strumming-on-the-beach and a little more road-tripping down endless, dusty highways.
After pursuing their respective solo ambitions for the past few years, the siblings had no intention of reforming the duo until US producer Rick Rubin, who lists production for Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and Beastie Boys on his CV, approached them. This is the siblings’ most collaborative effort to date. Having locked themselves down for two weeks for the first time ever to write songs side-by-side, this record is the perfect complement to their previous releases.
The newfound richness in their music is established with the opener A Heartbreak. This one’s carried by heavier guitars and a driving rhythm that’s tied together nicely with Angus and Julia’s textbook languid harmonies. This album is compelling in its dynamism – there is some serious light and shade in this one. My Word For It is a drawn out, slow burner with wonky guitars where verses are spoken in a drawl and Julia’s vocals wrap themselves around you like hazy smoke tendrils. Get Home is upbeat and dripping in a sundrenched melody and Little Whiskey is an energetic track that steadily builds upon itself.
Angus & Julia Stone is pleasurable in its authenticity. There’s nothing for the siblings to hide behind and once again they’re refreshing for their storytelling, vocals and musicianship. As with any Angus & Julia release there are complexities, layers and nuances to this one that can only be noticed, let alone appreciated after the third and fourth listen. There’s nothing groundbreaking about Angus & Julia Stone but it gets under your skin all the same and is the culmination of the best bits of Angus and Julia’s solo and collaborative efforts.
BY ISABELLA UBALDI
Best Track: Little Whiskey
If You Like These, You’ll Love This: THE MIDDLE EAST, SARAH BLASKO, WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS
In A Word: Timeless
