Angus & Julia Stone’s ‘Karaoke Bar’ is an evocative, boundary-pushing album that effortlessly blends hazy folk pop with warm, rhythm-driven melodies. Starting with misty, dreamlike harmonies before shifting into crisp, introspective pop cuts like ‘Monroe’ and ‘Cowgirls Lover Boi’, the record offers a uniquely comforting and captivating musical journey that comes full circle by its shimmering conclusion.
‘Karaoke Bar’s opening and title track instantly set the tone for this stunning and evocative alternative pop release with its warm vocal harmonies and subtle, simple soundscape, which is a theme running throughout the entire collection of songs. ‘Monroe’ is the subtly thumping pop release that is slightly less hazy and that bit clearer, playing with elements we don’t often hear on folk pop releases, it’s that bit more commercial sounding, which we hear on quite a few of the songs following.
‘Karaoke Bar’ is a tad of a false start, as it sets the tone for a more dream pop release than it being quite the soft pop-infused collection. After having adjusted our ears to this sound, and the slightly more uplifting, thumping sound that is that bit more rhythmic and less dreamy, we settle in. Yet still, ‘Cowgirls Lover Boi’ is, with its bedroom pop vibe and vocal style, a personal favourite. More pop than dreamy, yet still mesmerisingly introvert and compact, the track plays with the duos vocal tones that go so well together.
Subtly theatrical and without a doubt emotive, completely unique and unapologetic, Angus & Julia Stone created a sound and a niche that suits them comfortably and it makes us feel comfortable while listening to their boundary-pushing and genre-blending songs that together make for a wonderful musical journey that ends wonderfully with ‘Mexico City’. Its shimmering soundscape brings us back to our starting point; the album’s title track. A soft and misty sound completely pulls us in, captivating and capturing without excuse and without escaping, that’s truly become what has made this a standout album!
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