Angus and Julia Stone - Down the Way (2010)

Review By Markos Gyzi

It has been three years since Angus & Julia Stone's debut release, and a lot can happen in that time...

The dynamics in your song writing change, your confidence and self belief could move forwards or backwards in leaps and bounds, and listening to that little voice inside your head and your heart could finally pay dividends.

I must admit, I could barely listen to Angus & Julia Stone's debut album, but listening to this latest offering "Down the Way", I can say this is a whole new kettle of fish. 

The difference from "A Book Like This" to "Down the Way" is that each song sounds as if it belongs to a different album, poetic lyrics and music that makes you feel so utterly sad, yet at the same time hopeful.

It is vibrant and surreal. It is energetic, yet mellow and soothing. 

I have been highly anticipating this album's release and the balance they have achieved is harmonious. The instrumentation is denser and more matured, as is the lyrical content. At times the disparity between Angus and Julia's voices grates, but all in all, they make a remarkable dual act, because "Down the Way" sounds mature and road tested. 

My personal stand out tracks are Big Jet Plane - broad, anthemic and it sounds like another band all together… miles apart from any of their work.

Yellow Brick Road is perfect for cinema, atmospheric and haunting, probably the song I would use for my eulogy at my own funeral. Another beautiful track is Walk It Off, again an utterly beautiful song, which highlights the maturity of three years at the upper end of the music industry.

I anticipate this being a departure from the naïve, innocent music which we have seen from the Stones, this album will no doubt open a few doors internationally.

RATING: 4 out of 5

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