The lilting sounds of art-folk duo Eyreton Hall evolved from both sides of the Tasman, Australian Andrew Keegan meeting Cantabrian Toni Randall in Sydney while studying jazz. Initially performing as The Portraits before moving to back to Auckland via Christchurch, they took the name Eyreton Hall from where they recorded most tracks. At front and centre of Eyreton Hall’s sound are Randall’s gorgeous, crystal-clear vocals, effortless and fluid at once. This is best exemplified on the absolutely beautiful Loveless, which reminds me of Bic Runga‘s phrasing and textures. Eyreton Hall slip effortlessly from folk to pop, to singer/songwriter confessionals throughout ‘Featherstitch’ – courtesy of Randall’s vocals, their knack for writing graceful songs and the considerable musical talents of their band. The traces of jazz in the slow, bluesy And So It Goes, and the lilting Bellbird are both natural and unexpected at once. It’s accomplished, and flawless, though I’m struggling to get a sense of Eyreton Hall’s true self. There are glimpses, then I’m distracted again by the sounds of their influences. Whatever, their music is often sublime and why not sound like the music you admire?