27 February 2007 (gig)
07 March 2007
The former living room guise of The Enterprise sets a very intimate scene tonight and when Australia's Angus and Julia Stone - two siblings you couldn’t paint any prettier - slither onto the small stage, it’s as though a little family show is about to take place.
A shy and tentative first few bars bring about a sudden hush as big sister Julia opens with 'All Of Me' gently commanding attention through her achingly beautiful, acutely articulate vocal. Echoing a tame Bjork or a tender Cerys Matthews her delivery is just as recognisable and compelling, and though admitting to a head cold, the graze on her chords does anything but hinder the performance. Such a graceful dominance seems to unintentionally overshadow younger brother Angus though he appears content under her wing, snatching a few lead moments to prove of equal talent.
Making a clear nod to recently released mini album 'Heart Full Of Wine' on this their debut UK outing, the repertoire of acoustic folk songs on offer are so slight yet plump with emotion and detail summoning a variety of instruments along the way: trumpet, keyboard, harmonica and guitars. In addition back-up musicians Cameron and Mitchell tend to double bass and drums respectively, truly shining during their own 'fifteen minutes' while Angus and Julia look on admirably. In particular the unique drum solo boasts light, shade and incredible control to really emphasise the calming, seductive influence of this set.
You can’t help but listen intently to every note and every lyric. Warm giggles ripple through the crowd as Julia sings of her black jacket, the one which wrongly suggests she must ride a motorbike, though admittedly she’s too scared. So simple, so believable and very endearing.
Audience appreciation becomes more and more founded as the set waltzes on and some familiar tracks round things off - the summery breeze of 'Mango Tree', rat-a-tat-tat laced 'Paper Aeroplane' and minimalist 'Chocolate and Cigarettes'.
It’s all been rather sweet and delightful. And most importantly if you thought you only liked your music really loud you’ll be pleasantly surprised to appreciate it this quiet, too.
