BOWEN * YOUNG - Us

BOWEN * YOUNG's debut album, Us, is a soulful exploration of Americana music. Crafted by the husband and wife duo of Clare Bowen and Brandon Robert Young, Us shows off their ability to blend unique artistic styles to form a cohesive sound, one that's self-described as "cinematic Americana”.

Bowen's rural Australian roots and Young's Connecticut upbringing coalesce within the heartfelt melodies of Us. Their songs, sincere and introspective, delicately navigate the enchantment of love and the awe of finding the real thing. Infused with religious metaphors and biblical similes, their lyrics evoke a sense of reverence and wonder, portraying love as a divine miracle to be cherished.

The album kicks off with a burst of technicolour, driven by vibrant tracks like the harmonica-instilled ‘Water to Wine’ and the foot-stomping ‘Hair of the Dog’. Transitioning seamlessly, the electric guitar-driven ‘God Forbidden’ injects more grit and edge, while weaving Nashville-honored storytelling into each lyrical arc.

It’s not all bells and whistles, though, as the album also produces its fair share of stripped-down takes, such as the longing ballad ‘Seven Days’. The first moment of respite within the album's high-energy repertoire, it offers pause for introspection and emotional depth. ‘Aurora’, meanwhile, captivates from its acapella inception, celebrating individuality with heartfelt sincerity. Those sentiments are centred by the album’s title track, a poignant testament to the duo's love-at-first-sight story that showcases their vivid songwriting skills.

All in all, it's a debut album that unveils the duo’s prowess for bringing out each other's musical strengths. In the midst of the current wave of supersized albums, BOWEN*YOUNG – perhaps purposefully – leave listeners anticipating more.

7.5/10

BOWEN * YOUNG’s 2024 project, Us, is available everywhere on May 3 via Snakefarm.

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