Musical duo Joshua Bowyer and Jamie Kuzich are no strangers to the world. Combined, their travels span Eastern Europe and most of Australia, and it is from these experiences that a musical relationship began - bringing us Anton Franc and their debut self-titled EP. It’s about time the world got to know them a little better.

With its heart set in the outback of the Kimberley, Anton Franc seems to capture both the connectedness the road can bring as well as the isolation. The vocals in the EP are versatile and unique, and every now and then have an old world quality. Paired with the mix of folk and electronic sounds, they create songs which are occasionally eerie and seductive, and sometimes reminiscently joyful.

The first track of the album “Oh Darling” pulls off an unusual combination of instruments (these being the xylophone and saxophone for one thing) to create a sound which seems both new, and completely natural. Imagine listening to the catchy and melodic harmonies while lying down on the warm sands of the beach, or driving with the window down in the car. Or actually do those things. This song is the perfect accompaniment to the coming Australian summer.

“Letting Go” is the first release from Anton Franc, and was nominated as a finalist in the 2010 WAM Song of the Year Contest. There is good reason for this- this song is now competing with other favourites of mine for the “most played” title on my iPod. With both catchy, meaningful lyrics, and a creative use of electronic, playful percussion there isn’t much to dislike about “Letting Go” (except maybe if people don’t like to watch you dance).

Seeming to come from more of an old school rock influence, “Jessy” is memorable, but never intrusive. While they make use of a myriad of instruments in this song, the duo still retain the husky, and unusual qualities to their voices, as well as their use of chiming percussion. “Lady and the Night” has a beautifully soft melody, that resonates long after it is played. This song seems to feel like a dark lullaby, soothing and lyrical, but not always uplifting. Being an avid reader it is nice when a song can take you to another place. This song, while it may have been created in the depths of Australia, reminded me of the dark streets of Victorian England (not that I have lived that long or anything).

The last track “Memo” remains more abstract than the other songs, making greater use of the electronic percussions and melodies that weave their way through the other songs. The result of this is a whimsical song, which completes the EP faultlessly.

Review Score: 7/10