Passerby

Moving from Australia to Brooklyn, Luluc obviously have great ambition even as their music reveals gentle hearts and subtle shades of beauty. The duo of Zoe Randell and Steve Hassett reach new heights on their second album, *Passerby*, which is their first release for Seattle’s Sub Pop Records. They count Joe Boyd (producer of Nick Drake and Fairport Convention) as a fan, and it’s easy to hear why as Randell hits impossible yet transcendent notes on the title track. Here, coproducer Aaron Dessner of The National brings in members of Bon Iver, The National, Beirut, and Sufjan Stevens’ band, and Luluc can expand on the simplicity of their debut, *Dear Hamlyn*, without being overwhelmed. Their debut album took nine years to write and refine, while *Passerby* took another six to see release. Their unhurried approach ensures that songs like “Winter Is Passing,” “Tangled Heart,” and “Senja” aren\'t toss-offs and that their performances are up their exacting standards. Randell’s introspection on “Reverie on Norfolk Street” turns a romantic eye in a moment of touching sentiment. 

Quiet folk duo Luluc gained attention after last year’s covers collection Way to Blue: the Songs of Nick Drake; the National's Aaron Dessner produces their sophomore effort and Sub Pop debut.

Luluc cut through the nonsense often associated with the label "indie-folk" and put out one of the records of the year so far.

<p>Luluc's second album is given potency by Zoë Randell's full and rounded voice, writes <strong>Killian Fox</strong></p>