Setting the tone for the evening were The Trouble With Templeton, keeping the crowd ‘s attention occupied with their folk melodies. ‘I Wrote A Novel’ was a standout, the catchy phrases and toe-tapping guitar melody is one that sticks with you.

Julia Stone’s set was a satisfying mash-up of songs about her life, previous tracks on Angus and Julia Stone records, and a couple of covers.

If the crowd was anticipating what Stone’s show would be like minus her brother Angus, she proved it was still full of harmonious tunes, thoughtful lyrics and her eccentric style.

Straight off, Stone shows her musical abilities in ‘I Tell You,’ playing trumpet and using the characteristics in her voice to represent different aspects of the song.

Not afraid to explain how the songs came to be, Stone detailed the story behind ‘For You’, an old song she wrote and sent to a man she loved. “He sent back this heavy metal rock song – so I guess he wasn’t in love!’ she light-heartedly told the crowd. Fine points such as this are what made the gig a memorable one.

Moving onto a ballad-style tune, ‘My Baby’, Stone noted how she missed Angus, but explained that touring solo meant getting to play songs from old records that have never been performed before.

Then it was onto the story that most patrons will remember – Stone composing a song at the LA airport, using her brother’s ukelele. This particular song was about a close friend she had developed feelings for. On arriving to Australia, she runs into this friend at the airport, where he is unfortunately with his new girlfriend.

On a less serious note and keeping with the love theme, Stone broke into a cover of Grease’s ‘You’re The One That I Want’, bringing it into the modern folk genre.

Even a mishap with forgotten lyrics didn’t phase the crowd, who cheered for almost any action Stone carried out on stage. Then it was time for some Angus & Julia Stone classics with ‘By The Horns’ plus ‘And The Boys,’ the song that Stone looked most comfortable playing.

‘The Wedding Song’ showed off Stone’s beautiful vocal talent and poetic lyrics, especially in the lines, “we’ll make babies on the beach/under the stardust.” She then led the gig into the two encores. First, a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ which was a crowd favourite and got everyone involved, jazzing it up with a trumpet solo.

Then it was onto ‘Somehow,’ a follow on from the infamous song at the airport, this was about being okay with just loving someone and leaving it at that, or at least trying to. This was obvious with Stone’s characteristic story-telling lyrics, “I’ll make you a tea now/ you’re folding your arms… I’m feeling empty.”

Stone’s solo efforts just highlight even more of her ability as a songwriter and musician. It also gives her the chance to showcase her personality and interact with the audience more. She knows how to bring that emotion to songs with stories that capture listeners, which is just part of the Julia Stone charm.

– Cass Savellis

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