SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JULIA JACKLIN – THE GEM

JULIA JACKLIN
THE GEM
4AD

Julia Jacklin is back with The Gem — her fourth studio release and first in four years. The Gem can safely be called a breakup record, and it shines with its sharp articulation of the grayer areas of breaking up.

Starting the record off is “Brand New” — a simple drum loop paired with the mantra of, you guessed it, feeling brand new! This track feels like a weaker opening track and is one of the less interesting takes lyrically. “God Sometimes” picks up the energy with a steady drone instrumental, crescendoing into a back-and-forth guitar/Wurlitzer solo that makes for one of the stronger moments sonically on the record.

“If I Had the Hand of God” is my favourite song on the record — a track that seamlessly pairs Jacklin’s gentle songwriting prowess with a chic vocal performance. “Angel Vision” is a well-timed change of pace — a gorgeous acoustic ballad and one of Jacklin’s finest vocal performances. This track also provides the first break from the crunchy, guitar-led sonic palette used throughout the first four songs.

“Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)” is a refreshingly creative take on a love song, executed through a catchy hook with a lighthearted instrumental. The Gem loses steam with its last three tracks. “You Turned On The Tap” is an ambitious three-minute solo piano track that just doesn’t quite get anywhere. Closing out The Gem is “I Wish,” with the album’s only feature contribution coming from The Maes. Jacklin and The Maes team up to deliver quality vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Indigo Girls, but the song suffers from a lack of instrumentation and production.

The Gem reestablishes Julia Jacklin’s spot as one of indie rock’s most intriguing songwriters, but it does lack sonically at moments.

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