I felt a bit like Marty McFly in Back To The Future last night. No no, I didn't pash my Mum (that was years ago. It's behind me) but I did go to a high school concert filled with high school kids. And no, I wasn't there to pick up the young ones (again, that was once, and I swear she said she was 18). I was there to see Angus & Julia Stone. The Northern Beaches brother and sister duo were playing a gig at their old high school for a charity event. Despite the fact that these two have had massive rotation over the last couple of weeks, I admit to having heard very little of their music - last night was my first real taste and what a pleasant surprise it was.

From the opening song, I was captivated. Julia Stone's voice is simply beautiful and inspiring and I draw comparisons with Juanita of Howling Bells fame. Back that up with acoustic surf rock melodies reminiscent of The Beautiful Girls (in fact their drummer, Mitchell Connelly, is a former Beautiful Girls member). These guys have an undeniable talent for music and this was clearly displayed by their fluent skill on a number of instruments - the guitar, piano and trumpet to name a few. But there was more to this music than just skill. There is something about it that stirs you from within. I still can't put my finger on it. The whole concert I went up and down on an emotional rollercoaster - sometimes feeling very uneasy and other times loved up with a broad smile on my face. I walked out of that hall satisfied and worn out - this is what music is about.

Angus & Julia Stone - Mango Tree.mp3
Angus & Julia Stone - All of Me.mp3
Angus & Julia Stone MySpace

Buy their amazing EP, Chocolate & Cigarettes here.

Angus & Julia are off to the UK but will be back to play at this year's Homebake in December