Fans of Sydney indie-folk brother-sister duo Angus & Julia Stone who were concerned that the duo might be too engrossed in their respective solo projects to work with each other can sigh in relief: the siblings have finished working on their follow up album to their 2014 self-titled album. Their album teaser provides glimpses of their recording work at Angus' cottage studio (Belafonté), which is located in the idyllic Byron Bay. They recently released "Snow", the first taste of their upcoming album.
The song relies once more on the reassuring juxtaposition and harmonizing of their different voices and vocal styles, but the mood departs strikingly from the sombre realism of previous standout singles like "A Heartbreak". Angus noted that "'Snow' is both of us. We sat down and wrote it together"; the track certainly reflects the atmosphere of breezy, unharried intimacy that the duo apparently shared at Byron Bay. Subtle electronic elements (an understated drum machine beat and modest electric guitars) lend an edge to all the airiness, as do lyrics that indicate this kind of enchanting and carefree intimacy is not achieved without some effort:
'Looking at the stars, I have you to myselfLooking at the stars, I have you to myselfStanding here with you and thinking of someone elseStanding here with you and thinking of someone elseBlanket on my back, I'm cold, I'm cold againTryna see your eyes, oh make me warm againSmile in the snow, tryna find something to sayWhy don't you stay?Why don't you stay?Why don't you stay?'
Lyrics: AzLyrics
