Album Review: Busby Marou – The Great Divide

Although Rockhampton’s loveable best mates Busby Marou may flirt with stadium-pop, they remain indebted to their folk roots. Only a band supremely confident in their songwriting abilities could be audacious enough to support Elton John in a stadium with just an acoustic guitar and a cajon. That boldness shines forth on their latest record, The Great Divide. 

Breathing Space and Wildflower are as expansive as the open desert air, but still sound infectiously hooky. Folkier numbers Paper Hearts and Gone are still catchy, with good old Busby harmonies sitting front and centre. These songs may be taking a more pointed stab at the American market than the band's earlier records. 

Their 'pop troubadour' vibe doesn’t quite come off in the forgettable Someday Comes Around and the bright but cheesy Never Gets Old. However, for the most part The Great Divide is a fun celebration of life that touches on its fragility. With the beautiful title track, the record fades away, like the sun behind the mountains. There might be darkness ahead, but we're urged to celebrate being alive while we still can.