Album Review: Dope Lemon - Honey Bones

Angus Stone is back with his new side project, Dope Lemon.

His debut release, the album Honey Bones, is an effortlessly cool collection of breezy tunes that's guaranteed to be every triple j fan's wet dream. The stellar combination of dreamy vocals and layered hooks is rough around the edges in all the right ways and works hard at putting its listener in an almost inescapable trance.

The album can be roughly divided up into two parts, although there is still a great deal of continuity throughout. The first part channels a vibe not unlike Mac DeMarco, complete with jangly guitars, and dreamy, echoed lyrics. The second half channels the motorway-like beat of the late '70s to mid-'80s post-punk. This is where the album really shines. Although both parts are replete with groovy riffs, the second half nails it. The listener is sure to experience a feeling of elevation, and will truly feel chilled out.

It's fantastic to see a key Australian musician develop their sound in such a different direction to the current trends. EDM seems to be on the rise these days, with hyped up, pumping beats. Stone has opted to defy this sound, and channel a deep contemplative aesthetic. While the listener may find themselves entering a trance experiencing this album, it will be transcendental and reflective.

It's the kind of music you'd hear in an indie flick as the protagonist cruises through the countryside in a beat-up camper — chilled out and inexplicably magical.