Mandolins, ukulele and whistles – stories of travels across the globe, and the pull of home. Like catching up with old friends youve been hanging out to hear from, New Zealand welcomes the folk-pop and country-tinged song craft, distinct story telling, and the gifted musicianship of Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou to our shores for the first time. Celebrating the release of their 2nd album FAREWELL FITZROY & playing shows in both Auckland and Wellington with James Blunt before treating us to this intimate showcase at Backbeat Bar.
FAREWELL FITZROY is the highly anticipated second album from the Queensland duo who site Neil Finn & Crowded House as high on their list of influence. It earned the duo a top 5 album in their homeland. Recorded with US producer/engineer Brad Jones (Missy Higgins, Josh Rouse, Justin Townes Earle) in April 2013 at his Nashville studio, Alex The Great Recording. Opener ‘My Second Mistake’ turns a shuffling beat and soulful keys into a tale of fidelity, Catholic guilt, and growing up. Anthemic single ‘Get You Out Of Here’ is straight from the heart, charting the ups and downs of long-distance romance with its triumphant, soaring chorus. A lone harmonica and acoustic strum introduces ‘Cruel To Be Kind’, the true story of a husband in love with his wife – who’s unfortunately living next door. ‘Over My Dead Body’ is classic Busby Marou; the funky ‘Gameplan’ captures the full band rocking out; ‘Widow’ sifts through the debris of a big night out. And then there’s the elegant, road worthy ‘Luck’ – co-written with Aussie songwriting royalty, Don Walker (Cold Chisel, Tex, Don and Charlie).
On stage, Busby Marou’s core element – the intertwining vocal interplay of the two long-time pals – is magic. Unpretentious, best mates, and always ready to have fun, FAREWELL FITZROY is Busby Marou’s finest hour yet. We welcome the chance to cheer for more here in New Zealand.
The album’s first single, ‘My Second Mistake’ is at New Zealand radio now. Watch the duo perform this song live here.
FAREWELL FITZROY is released in New Zealand on Friday, May 23 and can be pre-ordered now from JB Hi-Fi and iTunes.
LIMITED SHOWCASE TICKETS AVAILABLE FRIDAY 25th APRIL AT www.undertheradar.co.nz
