The Stones building lovely n lasting music in their second album, Down The Way. Australian brother-and-sister duo Angus and Julia Stone, while nothing if not easy on the ear, are an acquired taste. Their habit of alternating tracks - she sings one, he sings one - makes them a trickier pitch than one here the dominant voice sets the mood.
This is a particularly unorthodox approach given than Julia possesses the kind of voice that generally sends critics into raptures. High and pained, it bears trace elements of Bjork, Harriet Wheeler, Kristin Hersh, Jesca Hoop and Alison Shaw of Cranes. As a solo artist, she'd get quicker traction. Yet the contrasting laidback stoner tones of Angus are essential to the siblings' appeal. Once you get into step, the yin and yang of his and hers make for a deft emotional map. She sounds edgy, all heartstrings; he's chilled, all ennui. Hung across minimal, beautiful songs, it's a powerful mix of gentle angst. 
Down the Way, their second full album, is a quite storm. Their overall restraint is commendable, with fine details proving as moving as pyrotechnics might try to be in less subtle hands. 

More details, please click BBC review.


PS: Strongly recommend Big Jet Plane