Australian indie-folk duo Luluc has dropped their sixth full-length album, Sweet Thief, as of today — and it’s just the mellow soundtrack you want on cool summer nights. The project — comprised of singer-songwriter Zoë Randell and multi-instrumentalist Steve Hassett — has had many acclaimed releases since their start in 2009, like 2018’s Sculptor, 2023’s Diamonds, and 2014’s Passerby (co-produced by Aaron Dessner of The National). But Sweet Thief takes the cake.
With smooth layered vocals and slow tempos, ‘Sweet Thief’ melts like butter over the ears.
Calming is an understatement when it comes to Luluc’s music. And this album is no different. With masterful mixing and production quality, Sweet Thief starts out low and controlled with “Honeyeater”, an ode to the Australian Silvereye. Ominous, yet exhilarating, Randell watches the bird “skip and dance” upon its tree.
Freedom is woven so subtly throughout the album, like in the comings and goings detailed in lead single “Rewarding Melody” or the plight of two ravens in “Which Way Now”. There are quite a few bird references in this album, too.
If not freedom, the theme shifts to finding peace.
Randell demands “put down your weapon and dance” in the opening to “Wanna Get Free”, while No One Else’s Pen begs “tell me all the ways to look forward // don’t want to get strung out on the past // what’s worthy of memory and remembrance // leave the rest in the vanishing dust”.
And peace is certainly found in the exquisite instrumentation of the album. From the muted sax solo on the bridge of “Dopamine Slot Machine” to the finger-picking guitar of “Lullaby” (which could quite literally put you to sleep), Hassett’s mesmerizing talent shines next to Randell’s angelic melodies.
If you’re not lulled into a tranquil state by the end of the 10 new tracks, you must’ve been multitasking; slow down and listen again with intention. With the new album out as of today, Luluc just announced a celebratory hometown show set for Brooklyn’s Union Pool on July 22nd, in case you’re around the area and want to come support the band in an intimate setting. Perhaps you can get your hands on a physical pressing of Sweet Thief while there! For more information on the show or to dive into the album today, visit the links below.
Luluc – “Rewarding Melody”
Track listing
- Honeyeater
- Rewarding Melody
- Dopamine Slot Machine
- Wanna Get Free
- No One Else’s Pen
- Which Way Now
- A Better Truth
- Lullaby
- River At Your Feet
- Homesick in L.A.
Stream ‘Sweet Thief’ album on Spotify
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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