Angus and Julia Stone, LuLuc @Llewellyn Hall, Canberra(1/9/2010)

Sun 5th Sep, 2010 in Gig Reviews

SEE THE GALLERY HERE!

Being ushered into a sold out tiered theatre for one of Australia’s biggest indie/folk bands was certainly a different and unexpected feeling. The stage was set up to resemble an act from A Midsummer’s Night Dream (complete with what appeared to be an actual tree on stage) with fairly lights and stuttering lamps; it alone telling it’s own beautifully poignant tale.

Touring support band LuLuc began the evening, a relatively unknown act whose melancholy guitar picking and uncharismatic stage presence neglected to hold the attention of the predominately underage crowd. Although very easy to listen to and far from untalented, the repetitive picked chords of the girl/boy act wore thin very quick. Tittering among the crowd grew louder, and mobile phone screens brightened to reveal Facebook status updates of sleepiness and boredom. It seemed the beautiful harmonies of the duo and the complex guitar work couldn’t hold the attention of a young audience, and the awkward banter inbetween songs made the set uncomfortable and uneasy, despite drawing a few nervous chuckles and whoops.

The lights dimmed and after sweating with anticipation/fatigue, the beautiful Julia and the ridiculously rugged Angus Stone graced the stage, with just enough light to barely illuminate them to carry out the opening track. The first few bars brought on such an immense feeling of sad happiness, it felt like chests all around the room could explode from the emotion. Poignant and understated, every verse was like watching a movie where the protagonist was killed for a just and noble cause.

Sadly, this wonderous atmosphere wavered after their first song when the screaming hordes of Angus Stone fangirls began their cat-calling, wolf whistling and tomfoolery. It was disappointing to see such two fine artists objectified into pop culture propaganda, but after Julia’s first meek “Hello” to the crowd, hearts were melt across the room, no matter how many were on the ‘Angus’ side of the fence. Moving quickly into the next track, Bella, Angus took the vocal reigns. The climax of the song brought about the backing band’s real involvement and the stage lit up like bonfire night. The moment the entire stage became illuminated was a revelation; like listening to the same song 50 times in a row and not getting sick of it, just marvelling in its brilliance.

The concert moved along at a steady rate, and unlike the opening band, the entire crowd was mesmerised with no hint of a yawn or eyelid flutter in the full house. Angus and Julia’s in between song banter with their band and the crowd was unexpected but welcomed. The brother and sister were charismatic, light-hearted and open and the experience was intimate but still spectacular.

Crowd favourites were plodded out quickly and seamlessly with Mango Tree being one of the first tracks and Just A Boy heading up the middle section with Angus exhibiting his quirky harmonica skills. Julia took to the stage solo to perform her now famous rendition of the Grease classic You’re the One That I Want, transforming it from a hopeful pop song into a melancholy folk ballad.

The duo unleashed two new songs to the audience, each about recent stories they had experienced. Angus took on the mandolin and his road-trip homage was a seamless blend of the band’s distinctive Australian folk with an Irish pub breakdown. Julia performed a heartbreaking tale of betrayal and lost love that showcased her unique, breathy voice in powerhouse format.

The true highlight of the show was the band’s performance of Private Lawns, off their first EP. Julia switching from guitar to trumpet to vocals to an almost jazz-like skat in the last verse was incredible. A far cry from their usual laid back folk, the upbeat nature of the song was an exciting change of pace with just a hint of girl power.

It was as perfect as any gig could ever be. Angus and Julia Stone just don’t create music, they create entire atmospheres and in Llewellyn Hall where the acoustics are flawless and the tiered seating gave a beautiful view of the stage, the night couldn’t have been more magical.

SEE THE GALLERY HERE!