Review: Greg Phillips. Photos: Jason Rosewarne
Hot off the plane from a successful European/UK tour, which included a milestone performance at the Royal Albert Hall, siblings Angus and Julia Stone have returned home for the final leg of their Living Room Sessions tour, promoting their latest and sixth album Cape Forestier. Last night, on a calm late winter Wednesday evening, they played Melbourne’s grand old Palais Theatre
The pair walked to the front of stage in front of the large, opulent red curtain to deliver a splendid stripped back version of Santa Monica Dream from their 2010 album Down The Way. Just two singers, two microphones and two acoustic guitars under barren lighting, emphasising the strength of Julia’s voice and the combined beauty of their harmonies.
The curtains then parted to reveal a stunning stage, resembling a vintage lounge room setting full of reading lamps, coffee tables and assorted house items such as a world globe, a clock and various antique ornaments. As Julia says, “we wanted to make you feel like we were bringing you into our lounge room.” Above their heads, they were surrounded by colour changing lanterns as they melted into Losing You, the opening track from their new album Cape Forestier.
A wistful sentiment permeated Nothing Else from the 2017 album Snow, embellished by Julia’s haunting trumpet playing.
Julia then explained that she’s been hassling Angus to play Just A Boy from their first album for 15 years and it’s only been in recent times that he’s finally agreed. The personal stories shared between the pair and the audience added an intimacy and casualness to the event.
In one of the most amusing stories of the night, they spoke of their wedding singer father and the childhood memories of him rehearsing covers. They were too young to understand the concept of covers and thought that their father was just an incredibly talented songwriter. They recall visiting friends and family and hearing The Eagles or Bob Dylan and asking how they acquired their father’s recordings! Their father was in the Palais audience to hear their tale too. They followed up with a dramatic, stripped back cover of Miley Cyrus’ Flowers, complete with whistling solo from Angus.
Private Lawns gave multi instrumentalist Ben Edgar his time to shine on banjo, as Julia returned to the trumpet adding spine tingling atmospherics. In fact the whole band is incredibly talented. Throughout the night Ben played banjo, keyboards, guitars, and lap steel. Julia contributed Keys, trumpet, harmonica and guitar. Angus plays a variety of guitars and harmonica. New Zealand born bassist Cass Basil not only holds down a solid bottom line but is a fine vocalist too. Drummer/vocalist Lozz Benson we first discovered when she played our Sydney Drum and Percussion Show back in 2017 at Rosehill Gardens, where we knew she was bound for greater things. Lozz or Lauren as Julia introduced her, is an incredibly thoughtful percussionist and added much character to the material via her stick work and vocals.
The performance of the new album’s title track Cape Forestier showcased the song’s intricate vocal arrangements and revealed the quality nuances of the individual voices on stage.
Julia explained that The Wedding Song was written for friends because she had forgotten to purchase a wedding gift, so quickly composed the tune to offer the bride and groom instead. The song has grown a life of its own and fans now post videos from all over the world of their wedding day using the song as their soundtrack. “Unfortunately those friends ended up getting divorced” quipped Julia of the original couple the song was written for.
A subdued, evocative version of their biggest hit Big Jet Plane was enhanced by the waving of smartphone lights in the audience, ending the main set as they left to take a quick breather. Angus and Julia then returned for an encore to the spot where the show began, front of stage, this time with the full band surrounding the microphones for essentially an a cappella version of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams, apart from some minimal acoustic guitar embellishment. The encore also gave Lozz Benson an opportunity to soar when she took lead on a verse. The audience too participated with much enthusiasm.
The music of Angus and Julia Stone doesn’t so much smack you in the face but seeps into your soul slowly and indelibly. It washes over you in a warm embrace. Combined with the stunning staging and lighting effects, if you allow yourself to surrender to it, an Angus and Julia concert is a magical experience that will stay with you long after they’ve left the stage.
We should also acknowledge the night’s support act, Florida based vocalist Cloe Wilder, who delivered an impressive opening performance, setting the scene for a quality evening of entertainment.
