If it hadn’t started raining, Angus & Julia Stone would’ve got a lot, lot more airplay over the summer. But with the grey skies and permanent drizzle, the world seems almost too dreary to listen to their warm little tunes.
Julia’s lead vocal makes a change from past singles, as brother Angus’ whistful tones would've given it an altogether less cheeky atmosphere. ‘Private Lawns’ is like a private joke that invites the us in to the circle of people in on the punchline. Underneath all the folk acoustics, it’s got a rhythm that’s pure reggae. Unlike so many other stripped-down folk combos, they don’t fall back on the safety net of over-emoted mood-strumming. “But they ain’t got, what we got….no siree”, Julia purrs. She’s got that right.
And it’s got a trumpet solo. That somehow isn’t so irritating it makes you want to pierce your eardrums with burning knitting needles. Surely that’s got to be worth your investigation, if nothing else?
‘Private Lawns’ is release on July 9 on Independiente. You can read Music Towers interview with Angus & Julia Stone from last year here.
