Angus & Julia Stone are new to us, but the Australian duo have released seven albums, including their latest, Karaoke Bar.
By Graeme Smith
The pair of siblings have garnered plenty of attention Down Under and elsewhere, including three billion streams and an ARIA Award Recognition. They’ve also toured internationally, and it was between dates on their tour for their 2024 Cape Forestier release that their new album began to take shape.
Karaoke Bar opens with its title track, written on the Greek Island of Hydra drawing on communal experiences among travellers and locals. It begins lushly with reversed chords before settling into an emotionally stirring alternative pop number led by Angus’s soulful vocals. Poetic lyrics paint a picture through the first verse before some catharsis is reached in the chorus. When Julia’s voice joins in, the romantic picture is complete.
It’s a strong start and a demonstration of how Angus & Julia can mix the intimate with the expansive. The layering feels cinematic while the story is one of people and relationships.
Given its origin, a theme of travel understandably runs through the record, and cities are name-checked along the way. There’s also a cultural and sonic diversity to the album’s compositions. The jazz and R&B of Monroe sits unexpectedly yet comfortably by the electronic pop-rock of Celestial Bodies.
Though diverse, Karaoke Bar finds a home in a space between pop, funk and rock, at times recalling The 1975 or Gorillaz at their softer moments. It’s fair to say that Angus & Julia’s twin vocals are their selling point, and they deploy them wisely, sharing the lead and coming together in harmonies.
Strangely Strangely is a highlight thanks to its warm, classic, soulful style. Brightest Place too, steals the show through its clever use of vocal effects and instrumental lightness. That brightness moves through to the nostalgic Take Me Back To Japan before things get lowdown, gritty and tongue-in-cheek for Cowgirls lover boi. The Cherry Farm is a slow and reflective moment before Mexico City closes things gently.
Angus & Julia Stone’s diverse pop sensibilities, distinct point of view, and thoughtful use of voice are what have made them the success that they are. Having now discovered their music, I’m certainly a fan.
If you want to keep up to date with all they’re doing, you can by heading to their website, and by following them on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X.
Karaoke Bar is out Friday 4 September 2026, and you can pre-order it here.
