Australian brother-sister duo Angus & Julia Stone have been slowly but surely building a healthy following over the past 8 years with their bluesy folk music, and tonight’s sold out show at the Corona Theatre sees an incredibly receptive crowd welcome them back to Montreal in fine style.
First up though is solo artist Conner Youngblood whose reflective acoustic songs are somewhat drowned out by the chattering of those in the audience, most of whom seem completely uninterested in his performance. It’s a shame, as he seems a likeable and talented guy with some interesting songs but tonight it’s clear that, save for a few cheers in the first few rows, he’s struggling to get his music across to such a big room.
Angus & Julia finally wander onstage at 9:15pm accompanied by their 4-piece band and quickly begin the opening riff from their latest album as the sultry A Heartbreak eases us into their set. Julia is all smiles as she sings “I met your parents, they were lying about falling in love” before taking things down a few notches with the lilting Main Street, a song she apparently wrote in a fit of guilt after she and her brother shoplifted some lightbulbs. Julia’s unique, cracked girly vocal gives the song an innocence which reappears in much of their material.
Indeed, it’s Julia who takes on the role of focal point for much of the show. Her brother offers the occasional “Ca va?” but seems to be content staying away from the limelight, hiding beneath his wooly hat and full beard. Julia though chats with the audience regularly and even attempts to introduce the band in french, giving up when she realises she doesn’t know the french words for most of the instruments. Her efforts win the approval of her adoring fans though.
Following the quirky Private Lawns, which is almost too twee, and the fuller sound of uptempo number, Little Whiskey, we’re treated to a slowed-down, intimate version of You’re The One That I Want from the movie Grease. Julia’s gentle voice gives the 70s hit a completely new twist as the audience help out with the “ooo-ooo-ooos”. Half way through, the band join in, adding some punch to the song, and the sound fills the venue. Credit must go to the sound guy tonight. Everything note is crystal clear, with each instrument finding its own space. And there are plenty of instruments! 4 out of six band members contribute guitar parts throughout the night and Julia manages to move from lead vocals and acoustic guitar to a full-on electric guitar solo, a little trumpet for Private Lawns and keyboards during the encore. The rhythm section are understated but perfectly suited to the music and obviously a huge part of the band’s sound.
Big Jet Plane sees couples in the audience get a bit snuggly before another new song, Wherever You Are, offers a gentle love song, with vocals shared between the siblings as they sing “Don’t take my word for it, just look at me to know that I love you” over carefully plucked guitars.
“Some of the most magical gigs we’ve played have been in Montreal”, say Angus. “I don’t know what it is. There’s just something about you guys”. His audience go predictably crazy!
The real highlight of the evening comes during the encore. The mesmerising Draw Your Swords from 2010’s Down The Way album sees Angus taking over main vocals one last time as he almost-whispers the refrain “You are mine, I am yours, let’s not fuck around”. The song slowly builds from a gently strummed guitar and lone vocal to a layered and passionate crescendo. It’s a stunning moment that really showcases their song writing abilities. The show ends with just Angus & Julia together on stage for the gorgeous Santa Monica Dream. Fittingly, a song about leaving, you could hear a pin drop as Julia delivers the line, “You’re making love now to the lady down the road”.
Angus & Julia may occasionally get a little too cutesy for some tastes but their musical talent is there for all to see, and their varied and accomplished songwriting has seen them deservedly take home several awards. Tonight, they proved themselves to be worthy of the praise and the Corona crowd lapped up every second.
Set List:
A Heartbreak
Main Street
For You
Crash and Burn
Private Lawns
Little Whiskey
You’re the One That I Want
(John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John cover)
Big Jet Plane
Wherever You Are
Grizzly Bear
And the Boys
Yellow Brick Road
Heart Beats Slow
Encore:
Draw Your Swords
Santa Monica Dream
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
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