Monday

Album Review: Julia Stone (for The Music Network)

21 September 2010
by Poppy Reid
When a band reaches a certain level of success, the music and in house chemistry can sometimes go pear shaped (see: Oasis). Australia’s folk darlings Angus & Julia Stone are currently sitting pretty after their second album Down The Way debuted at #1 on the ARIA album chart, conquering the local market both sonically and with their touring live show. Perhaps the secret to their success could be put down to both siblings working just as hard independently as they are together. 

Angus released his Smoking Gun solo record (under the moniker Lady Of The Sunshine) and after a long wait (the album was recorded in New York in the summer of 2008) Julia’s debut solo album, The Memory Machine, is now available. 

It’s the artwork that first excites; Julia uses clever vintage horror film posters painted by UK artist Caroline Pedler. The posters depict themes from each song; all of them of course, starring Julia as herself. 

One track in, and your vision is already blurred, your mind already clouded with her sweet whispering rasp. My Baby is intoxicating, Julia is unabashedly vulnerable and articulates her heartbreak with poise. This track is reminiscent of a 1940s wartime classics with simple strings and far-away vocals. 

The album flows on smoothly with Winter On The Weekend, the track which was the working album title for the obvious reason that it’s one of the shining stand-outs. The dark undertones and predatory themes make for some spooky lyrics. The tracks artwork even contains a warning: “This film contains scenes which are shocking no one should be afraid though as most things in life are shocking and strange and it is a good way to grow.” 

In most cases a title track is often the album's golden child, but The Memory Machine disappoints in this sense. Although the lyrics are honest and humbled her delivery is ailing (and not the kind of ailing that she’s adored for), the song lacks the desperate rasp the lyrics so deserve. 

The only other lull on the album is track eight, What’s Wrong With Me? which is a lethargic and unwavering filler. However, all is forgiven upon first listen of Lights Inside The Dream; always one to crash trains of thought together in poetic oxymoron’s, Julia weaves a story of abuse and helplessness. ““The takers always take and I tried to walk away but I lost my heart and I lost my faith,” she sings. 

These lyrics encapsulate the theme of the record; Julia wears her heart on her sleeve, is consistently taken advantage of but always gets back on the horse (see: Horse With Wings). Although The Memory Machine doesn’t stray too far from her work with brother Angus, the eerie themes and lyric heavy tracks make her solo effort a necessary collection.

2 comments:

Orin said...
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Orin said...

Nice review. I adore this album. Julia is truly a remarkable musician.

The photo is gorgeous too! Wow. Where is it from?