Julia Jacklin – Tuning Fork May 27, 2017

 

Julia Jacklin’s star has been on the rise for about a year now. The Australian singer-songwriter recorded her acclaimed debut album in New Zealand. Now she returns for one last headlining performance before heading back into the studio.

Despite the glowing reviews for Don’t Let The Kids Win, Jacklin seemed cautious when discussing her musical future. Noting that this was her last New Zealand show promoting this album, she promised, “If I make another one, I’ll be back, if not…I don’t know”.

Judging by the sold-out crowd on hand and the music on display…she’ll be back.

This was Jacklin’s fourth appearance in Auckland in just over a year…she opened for Marlon Williams at The Powerstation last March, played a very small solo show at Golden Dawn in December and was on the bill for this year’s Laneway Festival.  But tonight’s headlining show had the feel of a victory lap.

The album was released late last year and fans have had a chance to become familiar with the material. That was evident when cheers of recognition went up with the first few notes of Pool Party.

Unlike the solo set at Golden Dawn, Jacklin was accompanied by her band…guitarist Eddie Boyd, bass player Harry Fuller and a drummer whose name I did not catch.

They opened with Hay Plain, a slow burner that began with Jacklin’s solitary guitar strum, then the band falling into place one at a time. Clocking in just under 8 minutes, the folky-noir song sounded like the illegitimate child of Roy Orbison and Joni Mitchell.

The set featured two new songs…Cold Caller, inspired by becoming an Aunt for the first time and East Wick, inspired by watching an episode of Dancing With The Stars. A new video, featuring bassist Harry, is apparently soon to be released.

Long-time guitarist Eddie Boyd played beautifully restrained solos and his harmony vocals added an extra element to the sound. His playing seemed to reach a climax at the end of Pool Party.

At that point the band left the stage and Julia finished the set with a stunning solo version of Don’t Let The Kids Win…definitely the highlight of the evening.

For an encore, they all returned for a slow, smouldering take on The Strokes’ Someday.

Having recorded that first album at Ben Edwards’ studio in Lyttleton (as did Marlon Williams, Nadia Reid and Aldous Harding), it will be interesting to see where Jacklin next takes her music.

One thing is for sure, as the last notes of Someday faded away, it felt like the sky is the limit.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Ivan Karczewski:

 

Julia Jacklin set list:

1. Hay Plain
2. Leadlight
3. Motherland
4. Cold Caller
5. LA Dream
6. Elizabeth
7. Small Talk
8. East Wick
9. Coming Of Age
10. Pool Party
11. Don’t Let The Kids Win
12. Someday