Band: JULIE
For fans of: Smush, Ovlov, Sonic Youth, Bok Suna, Stove, Helmet, Nada Surf, My Bloody Valentine, Stomp Talk Modstone, The Smashing Pumpkins, Low, and Leavs.
Genres: Rock / Grunge / Alternative / Shoegaze
For fans of: Smush, Ovlov, Sonic Youth, Bok Suna, Stove, Helmet, Nada Surf, My Bloody Valentine, Stomp Talk Modstone, The Smashing Pumpkins, Low, and Leavs.
Genres: Rock / Grunge / Alternative / Shoegaze
Related artists: Xella.Fella.
Country: Los Angeles/Orange County, California U.S.A.
Years Active: 2020-present
Country: Los Angeles/Orange County, California U.S.A.
Years Active: 2020-present
Label(s): Self Released / Atlantic
I recently was pointed in JULIE, the three-piece California band, who was riding some serious underground momentum at the time and has since signed to Atlantic Records. They just released their debut album 'my anti-aircraft friend' and if you haven't checked this sucker out, I couldn't recommend it any more. So here's the first "long" review I've done in quite some time, as this band deserves it.
After releasing single "Flutter" (bass-heavy and droning) and the two-songer 'starjump/kit' (poppier) in 2020 the band released their 'pushing daisies' EP in 2021 that showed their growth and honing their ability to make sludgy, heavy, yet melodic and gorgeous alternative/shoegaze rock. This is blatantly evident on opener and downright fuckin' incredible track "april's-bloom" which boasts hauntingly beautiful vocals over unsteady, eerie, and ethereal instrumentals that bring to mind 90s alternative with much more oomph. "lochness" harnesses some goth vibes and mixes 80s post-punk with the styles already mentioned, while "skipping tiles" and closer "daisy pusher" slide into the brighter and more positive material of the bunch with my comparison-meter pinging Frankie Cosmos meets Ovlov. For the record tracks two and four are just short interludes and in my opinion qiute passable.
2022's two-song EP 'pg.4 a picture of three hedges/through your window' sees the band tightening up and focusing on intertwining dual vocals, which really helped them push into a sound that is their own. They even made a music video for "pg.4 a picture of three hedges" (linked here) but I think the superior track is "through your window" as the uneasiness and anxiety of it is palpable.
In 2023 JULIE dropped a ridiculous new single that they likely used to lure major labels to their cause, and by golly did "Catalogue" deliver and then some. The hooks on this are arguably the best to date, with sugary sweet vocals over hella driving, dark rock instrumentals, as well as a killer punch-in at 1:46 that really seals the deal. This track also opens that brand new 2024 release 'my anti-aircraft friend', and is a great introduction to the band's debut 12"LP. More contenders for best track are "very little effort" and "feminine adornments". The former uses Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" as a beacon while it expertly weaves in and out of control. The latter is groovy as fuck but sounds like it could rip apart at any moment, especially when the chorus kicks in with those wailing vocals. By the way Alex's singing on these ones are definitely the highlights. "tenebrist" and "tread, stitch" do a great job of hot-potatoeing the vocals from the guitarist to the bassist, they're very dreamy while also absolutely crushing. Taking an even heavier and denser approach is lead single "clairbourne practice", complete with music video embedded below. This thing is both catchy and dark, making it an obvious choice to invest further in and use as introductory bait to listeners.
The band finally takes a breath on track five's "knob", but that is no knock at the song, as it ended up being one of my favourites. Keyan tackles the vocals on this, and they are the focal point and best part of the song. Take a gander from 1:29-1:40 to hear what I'm talkin' about, but be ready for more fuzzed out shoegaze mere seconds later. At this point it's worth noting that he really improved his vocal personality, delivering more infectious melodies, smoothing out his voice, and improving his cadence. "piano instrumental" follows a similar trajectory but does so in more obvious and epic fashion. "i'll cook my own meals" definitely scratches my 'In Utero'-era Nirvana itch, while closer "stuck in a car with angels" is the perfect way to end this, with the darkest of lullabies that relies on atmosphere over volume.
Big thanks to Jay Jay for showing me this band after I pushed Smush down his throat. This new album is exactly what I was hoping it would be...amazing.
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DISCOGRAPHY
2020 - flutter digital single (stream/buy here)
2020 - starjump/kit digital EP (stream/buy here)
2021 - pushing daisies cassette/10"EP (stream/buy here)
2022 - pg.4 a picture of three hedges/through your window 7"EP (stream/buy here)
2023 - catalogue digital single (stream/buy here)
2024 - my anti-aircraft friend cd/12"LP (stream/buy here)
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(2024) JULIE - "very little effort" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend')
(2024) JULIE - "clairbourne practice" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend') [official music video]
(2024) JULIE - "knob" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend')
(2023) JULIE - "catalogue" (from 'catalogue' single)
(2022) JULIE - "through your window" (from 'pg.4 a picture of three hedges/through your window')
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JULIE additional links
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