Having spent almost all of 2008 and 2009 promoting their highly accomplished debut album ‘A Book Like This’, brother and sister act Angus & Julia Stone are back with their much anticipated release Down The Way.

Grasping the producing reigns, the confidence of this duo grows in the new release. Their song writing skills have escalated and the rich textures of their arrangements are reaching new heights, while still encasing their original charm and enchantment.

A lot can happen in two years, and Down The Way explores what has been a seemingly trying time; one of self exploration for the Stones. Singing of life, love and loss, this album truly lets experience take the lead and breathes real life as if you tasted it yourself.

The first single off the album ‘And The Boys’ is pure bliss. Building the tempo up gradually with the use of trumpets and woodwinds, the song becomes literally joyous. ‘For You’ is a gorgeous little number that melts the heart. Meanwhile, you can almost hear the hint of Angus’ smile in ‘Big Jet Plane’.

‘Santa Monica Dream’ speaks of love lost but not forgotten. Julia sings with such lust and sorrow in her voice all at the same time – "I’m singing songs about the future, and wondering where you are". The maturity of Julia’s voice glows with honesty and harks at the beauty of love found in sometimes the most unexpected of places.

The most beautiful thing about this album isn’t the cool charm of Angus’ rustic voice or the enchanting hush of Julia’s melodies, it’s the chemistry the two combine together. It’s simply magical.

Review Score: 8/10