Angus and Julia Stone are taking over the world. With sold-out tours across Australia, USA and Europe, there’s no denying the massive success and popularity of the duo. Lovers were out in full force on Saturday night and anticipation was high as the crowd bustled into Llewellyn Hall at the Australian National University. The venue itself proved just as majestic as the scene on the stage, its intimacy providing a perfect setting for an evening with the Stones.
Opening with their recent hit A Heartbreak, it was clear we were about to witness something special. Julia’s quirky, joyful stage presence, along with her fragile, fractured vocals were complimented wholly by Angus’s casual, clear-toned style. The six-piece, consisting also of a drummer, guitarist and bassist, flowed through the set effortlessly. In between songs, Angus and Julia treated the crowd to stories of their youth – stealing fairy lights from K-Mart, jamming in their garage and writing songs together in the jungle.
On stage, it was clear the siblings were enjoying each other’s company and whatever rift had torn them apart years before had been mended. Performing with ethereal beauty, playing hits new and old such as Wherever You Are, My Word For It, Heart Beats Slow the highlight of the night was undoubtedly when a reveller dared the pair to play The Devils Tear’s. Despite being caught slightly off guard (and Julia questioning whether she even remembered the lyrics), the pair obliged and the rendition was spot on.
The clear fan favourite was their smash Big Jet Plane which was met with huge applause and seemed to have every couple in the place snuggling up to one another, something Julia noted and was very pleased about.
Angus and Julia Stone, accompanied by a very skilled and impressive band, played what I can only describe as an immaculate show. There’s just something about their humility and genuineness that only adds to their mystique. It’s not often I leave a gig being totally enamoured with an act, but this was the case on Saturday night. I just hope I won’t have to wait another four years until they return to Canberra again!
