Julia Jacklin’s debut album is the serving of mellow melody missing from your October playlist. If my initial impressions of the record weren’t high enough, it’s been a musical experience which keeps giving each time you listen or learn a little more about the artist.
As opener ‘Pool Party’ kicks in, an immediate PJ Harvey meets Laura Marling flavour hits the senses. Julia has a truly stunning voice, soft yet strong and clear. ‘Pool Party’ is not only the album opener but the debut single, an obvious choice as it combines a memorable tune with absorbing lyrics centred around the debauchery of youth. Delving a little deeper, it’s apparent that the themes of age, youth and even a touch of nostalgia run through. ‘Coming of Age’ is another favourite, and for a folk-influenced album it has more of a 90s feel, with a touch more guitar and reverb for a weightier sound.
On the other end of the spectrum, tracks like ‘Motherland’, ‘Sweet Step’ and ‘Hay Plain’ have much more of a traditional American folk sound, again drawing on strong female influences. The title track concludes the album with personable lyrics which are sure to resonate with all 20-something listeners transitioning into a new chapter of their lives.
An artist for everybody to enjoy, Jacklin's voice carries a maturity way beyond her years while holding on to the delicacies of youth through her tender lyrics.
Tasha Franek