Angus and Julia Stone - Down the Way

 Unlike most duos who usually work together on songwriting , the music of Aussie folk/pop siblings Angus and Julia Stone has always been reflective of the distinct personal styles that each brings to the studio and the live performance. In many respects the Stones are solo artists, each composing songs individually and then simply switching off to each other, live and in the studio, as two solo performers sharing a stage might do. Their new album Down The Way, arriving March 30 via Nettwerk and the follow up to their exquisite 2008 debut A Book Like This, compounds that chosen divide with the additional elements of space and distance as the two found studio time -- from Cornwall to New York to Coolangatta -- between tours and traveling. "All the songs were written so far away from each other that the styles and moods are really different," explains Angus of the album.

 But despite the farflung distances and diverse styles, Down The Way, co-produced by the pair with Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright), maintains a seamless aural quality. Lead track "And The Boys", features Julia's divine, waif-like vocals,  pulsing, shimmering guitar punctuations and a stately production that perfectly frames the track's quiet, relentless drive. Angus' "Black Crow" and "Hush", meanwhile, add a fuller folk/rock production and rhythmic balance, setting his plaintive singing atop a rich and glistening organic sound. As with their debut, there's nothing glaring or overstated here and the tone is often hushed even when the energy level rises. But with the intimacy imparted, the subdued atmosphere on display, Down The Way becomes one of those exceptionally personal albums that draws you back again and again. Highly recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site

Angus and Julia Stone - Down The Way Album Sampler

Angus and Julia Stone - "Black Crow" (from the album Down The Way)

Angus and Julia Stone - "And The Boys" (from the album Down The Way)

From the official bio:

Having spent the last two years touring the world in support of their critically acclaimed debut - A Book Like This - Angus and Julia Stone return with their eagerly anticipated sophomore release Down The Way.  

On Down The Way they make their debut as producers, and develop their sound without losing the spirit of their debut.  There's been a subtle shift in gear, evidence of a growing confidence - the music gravitates from sparse to rich and textured arrangements yet never loses it's etherealness and charm.

Travelling has been an integral part of the Stone's musical story so its not surprising they opted to record in a number of diverse locations around the globe -  an old sawmill on the river banks of Fowey, Cornwall,  a studio in Brooklyn, a water tank in Coolangatta,  their second home - London - and Queens in New York.

Once again the duo share song-writing duties Πtheir individual styles juxtaposing yet complimenting the other.  Themes of lost love and yearning weave through Down The Way, which opens with the epic and rich tapestry of Hold On.

Elsewhere touches of piano and understated fingerpicking guitar light up the darkness of the sound - For You - and forthcoming single Big Jet Plane sees Angus's rustic tones rolling atop a dreamy string arrangement.  Draw Your Swords - a six-minute work out building to an unrestrained crescendo;  Devils Tears - gentle piano and sweet acoustic guitars - wrapping up the album.   

On Down The Way, Angus and Julia showcase thirteen lovingly crafted songs reflecting a myriad of emotions.  Another graceful step on a remarkable musical journey.

Over the course of the last three years the duo have ventured everywhere from the Scottish Highlands to the heart of the USA.  This tireless touring has expanded their audience with Myspace plays now exceeding five million. With a worldwide tour kicking off in their native Australia in March the siblings are set to continue to win yet more hearts across the globe in 2010.    

The first single from the record, And The Boys, was co-produced by the siblings and Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright) and the album 'Down The Way' is set for worldwide release in March.