| The two songs on the new single are exemplars of the melodic and harmonically pleasing style that has helped establish them as a near 40 year Australian folk-rock institution.
But here, they embrace a new millennium bedroom folk aesthetic, recorded as they were, in a converted bedroom.
Musically and lyrically spartan, “You’d Gone Before You Went” is a deeply moving account of Greg Arnold’s experience of losing his mother to Alzheimer’s.
A direct vocal, lush backing vocals and minimalist instrumentation are subtly combined to deliver one of the finest hours in the catalogue of this APRA and ARIA awarded songwriter.
In strong contrast, “The Windmills Turn” is a rollicking and classically joyous Things of Stone and Wood Celtic Hippie clap along sing along.
Accordions, melodicas, hand drums, shakers and lush backing vocals, as always, bring the party, which all serve to underpin the more reflective mood of the lyric, which is a study of the quixotic life of a musician.
Why would anyone try to make the ocean waterproof? Exactly.
The double a-side single is an innovative and charming reminder of why Things of Stone and Wood have long been considered “Melbourne’s most inspired and inspiring folk rock band” (Michael Dwyer) and as “The Windmills Turn” says: “You can’t stay mad at them.” |
