Tom Stephens released his debut album ‘What Lies in the Difference’ in 2016. It received glowing reviews with THE BRAG awarding it their ‘Album of the Week’ and praising it as “an exceptional record in all senses of the word: as a debut album it is startlingly self contained and assured, but as a passionate, strikingly pure record, it stands apart from the crowd.”
 
What Lies in the Difference is an album built on the observation of the relationships that surround Tom Stephens.  It is an exploration of the depths of decisions and consequence held together by intimately glowing instrumentation and an earnest, compelling vocal.  The album was recorded on friend and musical collaborator Julia Jacklin’s farm in the Blue Mountains of NSW and produced alongside Ryan K Brennan.    
 
‘Down to Rest’, the album’s lead single radiates with modest guitar, luscious backing vocals and Stephens’ authentically Australian voice.  The track was well received by critics, having been awarded high rotation on Unearthed Radio and spins on 2Ser, Fbi and ABC Radio National. 
 
Tom Stephens has been consistently honing his songwriting craft since releasing his first EP in late 2012.  In 2014, Tom Stephens released his sophomore EP ‘Embers’ which was praised for its tender portrayal of life and place and its resonant but grounded atmosphere.  While not betraying the thoughtful lyricism and intimate sound displayed on Embers, What Lies in the Difference marks a maturing into a robust sound that dances between folk and alt-rock.

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