Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Busby Marou, Warner Music Australia 2019.
Busby Marou (aka Tom Busby from Queensland and Jeremy Marou from the Torres Strait Islands) are well known for songs that capture the spirit of Australia.
Their great storytelling and catchy melodies have propelled them into the Top 10 and three ARIA charting albums, including their ARIA Gold 2013 self-titled release, Top Five album Farewell Fitzroy and most recently the ARIA #1 Postcards From The Shell House.
The Great Divide is their fourth studio album and it’s sure to follow the other three albums up the charts and onto award success.
Tom and Jeremy have been playing music together for more than a decade and they are widely recognised as one of the hardest working bands on the Australian music scene.
The Great Divide was recorded with producer Oscar Dawson (Alex Lahey, Holy Holy) and apparently the connection between them was instant resulting in relaxed and productive recording sessions.
In talking about the new album the boys are quick to point out that the title is not about divisions between us but rather about recognising that we all have a different account of events in our lives and celebrating how those differences combine to create a unique and colourful story makes us who we are.
As the boys put it, “Without a great divide there is no Busby Marou.”
Every Busby Marou album is a joy.
Their relaxed presentation and high level of musicianship, along with their outstanding songwriting, make them little oases in the desert of manufactured pop that stretches as far as the ears can hear and eyes can see.
I like their musical honesty.
What you hear on record is very close to what you experience when you see them in concert.
Busby Marou are currently on the road supporting this new release.
They’re visiting most states so look them up on their web site. They are worth seeing.
