Review: Julia & The Dream

It’s great to hear our local musicians get good press – here’s Julia and the Dream‘s first official in-print review in Bellingham’s Whats Up?

As a credit to their exceptionally interesting album, your average Top 40 doofus won’t give a damn about Julia and the Dream. This record will not work for everybody as it is a sophisticated and glorious arrangement – with hints of neo-soul – in a time when many people want music that bump and grind, or music built through aggression, loud basement arranged noise, transgression, energy and screaming.

I appreciate that sort of basement energy noise and ambition, but regardless, I think J&TD is one smart record – musically and lyrically.

First tracks on albums are important, setting the context.J&TD are cool, direct and smart with hints of Moter-City schwagg meets retro garage rock-&-soul. For me this album is a bit of a problem solver, and reminds me the rift between rock and jazz is not necessarily an impossible leap.

Julia Maas’ soft rock crooner style vocals are strong and distinctive, and like the weather that sweeps through her lyrics her personality comes through each song, which are not your typical dewy-eyed declarations of love. The band allows Julia’s powerful vocals to stand front and center, supported with light rock-jazz arrangements.

“The Dream” band sounds beautifully creative, with artistic examples of staccato strumming, intelligent solo and arpeggios runs that at times indulge in fat, slowed-down garage-riffage with hints of soul and jazz. In just about every case, the music is memorable, melodic and impressive, never dragging on for too long or transforming into an un-listenable “trying to be too creative” mess.

-Johnny Quimond/yoyofm.com

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.