There are only two kinds of country that I like: Carrie Underwood and Frank Turner. Once in awhile I’ll dig a country song for its message, but admittedly, I’ve never really immersed myself into the genre, perhaps worried that I’ll turn into that boot-wearing cowgirl with a denim jacket. (I absolutely despise denim attire.) However, there are rare occasions where I am completely enamored by an artist and disregard the category for which labels have stocked them under. This so happens to be the case for Busby Marou.
Already, you’re probably skeptical, wondering how my gears have shifted for a country band from Australia. For one, the voice of Thomas Busby completely captivated me with a single note in the self-titled album’s single, “Biding Time.” I felt the Tennessee soul in his voice, even when he, literally, began this with his mates a world away. Similarly in the song, “Not Fire Not Ice,” there is such an emphasis in the vocals; the guitars are soft, barely audible, acting as whispers softly ticking your cochleae like a soft summer breeze. While you may feel as though you’re close the campfire, chills are inevitable. Of course, the wonderful thing about country is the seeming-simplicity of guitars and harmonization’s, which are wonderfully provided by Jeremey Marou.
Every element on the album is well crafted, especially the narratives carved into the guitars and vocals, like lovers initials into a willow tree. Each song leaves an imprint on your memory, especially, “This Moment” and “Banjo.” The album offers an environment of intimacy similar to the comfort of a friend, a husband, a girlfriend – whomever – singing you stories of heartache and better times.
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