Angus and Julia Stone @Botanic Gardens, Sydney (05/11/10)

Thu 11th Nov, 2010 in Gig Reviews

After a year of growing commercial success, it was no surprise to find Angus and
Julia Stone headlining the final night of the inaugural iTunes Lice: ARIA Concert Series in the lead up to the 2010 ARIA awards.

The dark clouds overhead had caused havoc all week for the organisers of this event as it has for most of us in Sydney of late. So it was without umbrella that I scoured the Botanic Gardens for the venue. Only to not hear the expected support of Old Man River but none other than the sounds of John Butler guiding me to the event.

The weeks rain had in fact cut short John Butler’s own live performance so we were lucky enough to be treated to what may be considered a double headline act for this affair. One Way Road was an apt song to hear as I weaved my way finally to the venues entrance. Sounding as good as ever, his duet with wife Mama Kin, Losing You, was a notable addition to an otherwise solo set.

Three ARIA awards were presented next: Best Adult Alternative – Angus and Julia Stone; Best Pop Album – Sia; and Best Rock Album – Birds of Tokyo. Sia’s acceptance speech consisting of “thanks” was a pleasant and applauded notion, though not as well received as Scott Dooleys gun jumping introduction of Angus and Julia Stone, and nearly correct pun. Stating after he was notified they weren’t ready “Sorry to build you up and then let you down…. like Tuckers Daughter”.

The rain suddenly took a break as Angus and Julia Stone took to the stage. Julia Stone I must note was in a glamorous dress, looking rather non-hippy as they kicked off with All of Me. Bella followed as they swapped singing duties through most of the set.

For You continued as the rain returned for what was so far a very subdued and beautiful performance. Julia’s ability to sing uninterrupted despite receiving electric shocks from the microphone was impressive. As was Angus Stone’s calm and amusing retorts to a marriage proposal from the crowd, querying what food to serve at the reception was a delight.

Black Crow was yet another sweet rendition before finally some liveliness occurred on stage in the guise of Private Lawns. Certainly the highlight of their performance. It is great how they break this song down live, including Julia’s trumpet which is always well received even though she struggled to play the instrument that was tightened by the cold.

A well received Hush kicked the set along next. Then finally their current hit Big Jet Plane. A beautiful intro to Hold On featuring Somewhere Over the Rainbow finished the set. You may notice this was a set consisting mainly of album tracks but it showed the strength of material this duo actually have under their belt already.

Check out the photos from the gig