Melbourne’s Luluc (pronounced Lou-Luke) announce their debut album Dear Hamlyn, a record that at first seems gorgeously simple, but soon reveals profound depths. Written and recorded over more than two years in the converted attic of an old Fitzroy mansion, the album is the sound of music pared down to an essential core.

Dear Hamlyn presents the songwriting of singer/guitarist Zoë Randell. Avoiding melodrama or vocal histrionics Zoë’s rich, low voice is strikingly beautiful and paired with her reflective songs it becomes a revelation. Along with Steve Hassett’s fine-tuned supporting ear, Luluc achieve an austere beauty via pre-electric means favouring the rich, natural tones of antique acoustic guitars, close harmonies, and un-amplified instruments. Zoë and Steve met in Edinburgh, Scotland, during festival time. Quickly recognizing a musical partner in the other, they began singing and working on songs together. Upon returning to Melbourne, while working on their craft together, both have become prominent locally playing with other songwriters. Zoë sings with Paddy Mann in subdued folk outfit Grand Salvo, while Steve helped establish menacing country outfit Wagons.

Eventually, they felt they were ready to debut their own material. Having hand picked a selection of their favourite local musicians to play on the record, Dear Hamyln was created. Filled with images of departure and sadness, but also with hope for better times ahead, Dear Hamlyn is remarkable in its restraint and emotional purity. These stories reflect the struggle to find a place to call home, the challenges of overcoming isolation, and the impact of losing someone close to you.

Estimated despatch 14-20 days after ordering.