Angus Legg Finds His Father's Voice in a Heartbreaking Folk Debut

On 'A Long Time Gone', the Melbourne singer-songwriter Angus Legg, turns grief, heritage and vulnerability into one of the year's most affecting folk releases.

Released this week, the seven track debut EP marks an evolution for the emerging songwriter, whose deep, personal brand of storytelling has already earned praise from tastemakers at Triple J and beyond. But while Legg's previous singles hinted at an artist unafraid of emotional exposure, 'A Long Time Gone' pushes far beyond confession. It's a record about inheritance, passed between generations in songs, stories, absences and memories.

Across its seven tracks, Legg immerses himself in a rich Celtic folk palette, weaving mandolins, penny whistles and traditional folk textures into songs that explore love, grief, addiction and belonging.

Partly written and recorded in London, the city where Legg spent part of his upbringing, the EP carries the feeling of someone tracing their own history while simultaneously writing their future. Homecoming becomes a recurring motif. So does distance. On the aching '12th Of May' Legg reflects on the emotional cost of leaving both country and relationship behind. By the time closing track 'Like I Never Left' arrives, he's standing at the other end of the journey, returning with equal parts hope and uncertainty.

But the emotional centrepiece of 'A Long Time Gone' arrives in 'May All Your Friends Be Artists' a song that transforms the EP from a collection of personal stories into something far more profound.

Originally written by Legg's late father, Alex, before his passing, the track became an unlikely collaboration across time. Working with producer Jim Alxndr while in London, Legg recovered his father's original vocal recordings and intertwined them with his own voice, creating a haunting conversation between generations.

There's a quiet courage running through 'A Long Time Gone', one reflected not only in the music itself but also in Legg's recent announcement that he will step away from the project indefinitely following its release. His upcoming hometown launch show at Melbourne's Bergy Bandroom on July 12 will be his last performance for the foreseeable future.

What is certain, however, is that he has delivered something increasingly rare in modern songwriting, a debut that feels like we're experiencing life through Legg's eyes and experiences.

And if this is where Angus Legg leaves us for now, he's leaving behind a remarkable first statement, one that understands the most powerful stories are often the ones brave enough to tell the truth.