Angus and Julia Stone // Down the Way

I don’t know where to begin with this review. I don’t know where to begin because it has left me speechless. Finger picking their way through thirteen glorious tracks, invoking emotions of endings, of beginnings, of love, of sadness, of life; the Stones’ eagerly anticipated second album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Travelling has been an integral part of their musical development which is echoed through their dreamy harmonies and ethereal arrangements. Upon pressing play your mind is transported to a brightly coloured camper van, driving in the sunshine with the windows down- with purpose but without destination. Having no previous knowledge of the Australian brother / sister duo, listening to the album I was certain they were from California. The West coast has very obviously influenced their sound with Angus even incorporating his experience of California into the track 'Yellow Brick Road’. Julia’s heartfelt vocals resonate through the love song 'For you’, which is a stunning success as is 'Big Jet plane’, their forthcoming single, which sees Angus taking the lead with his super hot, rustic tones - I definitely would. Some tracks are instrumentally richer than others, but as you float through the album, each carries itself effortlessly, which in my mind is a feature inherent in all great artists. Down the Way leaves you feeling nostalgic, sad and better all at the same time and is a real testament to the Stone’s amazing talent. As I started, so I will end – Down the Way has left me utterly speechless.