Juliana Hatfield
Blood
American Laundromat Records
![](https://i0.wp.com/spillmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RATING_4.5_of_5.jpg?resize=150%2C29&ssl=1)
Juliana Hatfieldβs storied career rolls on with her latest release, Blood to a thirsty new-gen audience and longtime followers. This impeccable release is LOADED with catchy twists, turns and miles of instrumental layers keeping the music fresh. On this trip, Juliana doesnβt shy away from getting heavy as she brings copious amounts of distorted guitars and hard-hitting drums that come off (at times) as straight up hard rock!
Keeping the release nice and tidy at 10 songs, itβs an easy album to sit through and take in front to back, then throw on repeat. From the heavy fuzzed out βThe Sham of Loveβ to the simple and danceable βSplinterβ, this release has an approachable sound for a wide audience. As for lyrical content, the subject matter gets rather dark along the way and with some exploring youβll see why!
Standout songs include βThe Shame of Loveβ; an instant classic that could be described as sounding like Sheryl Crow goes heavy. The songβs HUGE drums, GIGANTIC guitars and stylized synths give it life, going from soft to heavy and back again. βSuck it Upβ sits in the top three for best tracks with its dance floor groove and exceptional writing. There are guitar riffs for days and the song even features an β80s style guitar solo. Β βHad a Dreamβ jumps right out of the pile with its homicidal lyrical content, delivering lines such as βI stuck the knife into your neck, I pulled it out and stabbed you againβ and takes the audience into an episode of True Crime, keeping fans as engaged with the story as the addictive high octane track. If youβre feeling β90s indie, the comfort zone is delivered in spades with the track βMouthful Of Bloodβ, a lo-fi upbeat tune with soft vocals and a simple backing track of drums, bass, guitar, and keys. This lead single is LOADED with hooks and might dangerously get stuck in your head.
If youβre in the mood for some raw emotional heavy-hitting indie rock, Blood will take care of all such cravings. Although the albumβs lyrical content is heavy on dark themes, the music is uplifting and fresh. Juliana Hatfield has a runaway indie classic. This is a vinyl must!
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JULIANA HATFIELD – BLOOD
Andre Skinner