Busby Marou

“There’s something strangely familiar about the name of this band…” is what you may be thinking, and rightfully so. This humble duo from Rockhampton, QLD, have certainly made a name for themselves. They have recorded their 2007 EP The Blue Road with icon Pete Murray, had two songs off their self-titled album nominated for Triple J’s 2010 Hottest 100, and took the award for “Most Promising New Talent at the Deadly Awards. So, what is all the fuss about?

Delving into their self-titled album, it doesn’t take long for anyone to realise that these men have talent. Thomas Busby’s vocals give the album a pure and unique Australian favour, which heightens in the track Not Fire Not Ice. Only two minutes in duration, it is long enough to display the breadth of talent Busby has. Jeremy Marou, on the hand, is one of those enviable people that are gifted on almost every instrument he touches. Just listening to the ornate rhythms in This Moment is enough to raise your eyebrows.

The boys offer a refreshing blast of originality in their self-titled album, straying from the monotonous chordal structure that seems to be evident in almost every pop song. Not restricted to one genre, Busby Marou indulge their listeners by introducing a vast variety of instruments: from the ukulele to electric guitar to even whistling, this album is certainly not two-dimensional in that respect.

Busby Marou’s self-titled album brims with songs that you just can’t help but tap your feet or bob your head to. The lyrics are beautifully crafted; whether cheery or melancholic, they add that little extra depth to the album. Each song is different in their own way, which only displays the duo’s diversity and talent.

There is, however, one let down that seems to be common in this genre of music and its close relatives. Whether it be melodically, instrumentally or lyrically, Indie/Roots songs can be hard to differentiate at times. By the ninth track of the twelve-track album, you’ll begin to notice that the majority of the songs have an extremely similar tempo. If it wasn’t for the distinctive melodic and instrumental change, it could be easy for each song to run in to one another.

In saying that, Busby Marou’s album of the same name is a must-listen to. A fine example of what Australian talent has to offer, these guys deserve all the attention they will get. - The 59th Sound

4½ stars
THOMAS Busby and Jeremy Marou met while playing separately on the banks of the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Both come from musical families but their unique sound as a duo is a product of the seamless melding of the white Australian folk-pop musical tradition - think Pete Murray or Josh Pyke - and Marou's proud Torres Strait Islander heritage. Their debut EP, The Blue Road, released in 2007, was recorded in Murray's studio in Byron Bay. Now, this excellent debut album, originally released in August last year, has been reissued, presumably on the back of the duo's success with its version of Better Be Home Soon on the Finn brothers' tribute album He Will Have His Way. Though not all of the songs are about happy things, the overwhelming feeling that emanates from Busby Marou is joy. The voices and close harmonies are as clear as Queensland sunshine, and the acoustic guitar playing of both men is accomplished and expressive. Marou's signature ukulele (he also plays Rhodes piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, slide guitar and harmonica) bequeaths some tracks - especially the standout Underlying Message - a Pacific Island feel. With its clever wordplay, brushed percussion and firm Australian accents, Biding My Time could have slipped off a Pyke album.
As a songwriting duo the pair show great promise. They're not Lennon and McCartney - yet - but they are a welcome addition to a genre that for some reason is dominated in this country by solo artists.
Ian Cuthbertson - The Australian (Newspaper)

Watch out for these guys. The debut album from Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou from Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, is a glowing piece of work featuring a folky pop sound with a distinctly Australian feel.

Busby Marou are already making an impression here in Australia having recent success with their version of Crowded House’s ‘Better Be Home Soon’ on the album He Will Have His Way, a tribute to the Finn brothers. They have also won Federal Government funding aimed at supporting emerging indigenous contemporary musicians and last year won the Deadly Award for ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’. The injection of Marou’s indigenous Australian heritage into the music is captivating and gives the album a uniqueness we don’t get often enough in this country. It’s not just unique though, it’s also very good.

The crisp acoustic sound of the album shines through in all the tracks – both these guys can more than handle their guitars. Marou also mesmerizes with his talents on the electric, bass and slide guitar, ukulele, electro-mechanical piano and harmonica. There is a Pete Murray / Jack Johnson laid-back style to the music - but this is better. A lot better. The melodies are strong and there is musical variety aided in part by Marou’s instrument range.

Busby’s voice is rich and polished often sending the hairs on the back of the neck up, especially in ‘This Moment’, one of the album’s stronger tracks. Ben Harper has contributed to the album writing ‘Not Fire Not Ice’. Their styles are complementary and this vocal B-side track offers a nice change of pace.

Generally the sound is upbeat and high spirited, however, scattered throughout is a contrasting reflective mood that stops short of fully blown forlorn blues. It’s an impressive demonstration of their depth.
Each track has its own feel and individual appeal – a good sign that these guys have plenty more to offer.

Rating: 8/10 stars - Liveguide

Busby Marou, whose 2009 EP The Blue Road stirred considerable critical acclaim from music reviewers, now return with their self-titled debut album - an eclectic mix of country/rock.

The album’s Pete Murray-esque soulfulness and melodic guitar riffs is easy listening personified. This was always going to be an inevitable feat, with the album recorded by Murray's producer Anthony Lycenko as well as Murray himself.

Surfers and road-trippers, I have one word - invest! Some side effects include, but are not limited to mood enhancement and an unavoidable descent into harmonious bliss.

Don’t be dissuaded by this stereotype, this album will serve to please most. Tracks like Save Some Time For The Others and Banjo have a definite old-school country/rock vibe, a slight surprise considering the two boys name-check Pearl Jam and Crowded House amongst their main musical influences.

The first two tracks, All of You and Biding My Time, while not the only ones on the album to display the boys’ penchant for meaningful lyrics, certainly add a touch of romanticism to the album without sounding contrived.

This album will solidify Busby Marou’s status on the Australian stage, showcasing their diversity and range. Having already built a solid fanbase supporting Pete Murray on his 2009 National Tour, as well as playing at various festivals in Queensland and New South Wales, the duo undoubtedly have big things to look forward to. - The Music Network