The powerful indie rockers Sometimes Julie return with a triumphant new album for 2021. “Where Are You?” opens with the thunderous track “She Can’t Kiss You” that brings the heat fueled by hard rocking guitar fire and explosive drums then captures you with the sensational lead vocals of Monica Sorenson. The song reminds us that rock-n-roll will never die especially with a bittersweet edge like this! Sometimes Julie are socal natives and that heritage is beautifully displayed on the track “Knew It All Along” that delivers both a hint of their California roots as well as Sorenson’s singer-songwriter depth. As the tune’s sonic mist clears we are greeted by a beautiful chorus “Where are you? You know I’m all in”. Other tunes like “Own Kind of Savior”, “If Only” and “Quiet” provide a vibe that harkens back to bands like The Beatles, Pretenders and U2 blending soulful rock with upfront personal vocals. The influences on this album are staggering from hard rock to emotional pop, as well as the top-shelf musicianship. The tune “Arachne’s Pride/Minerva” opens with a stellar nylon/flamenco style that has us dreaming of a desert sunrise before sliding into a pop-friendly rock anthem and awesome lyrics like, “I want to hold love and hate in the same hand” need we say more? The album closes on a perfect pop-rock note with “Counting My Lucky Stars” which focuses on love and positivity as Sorenson’s vocals again take us by the hand and burn the emotion and soul of the music directly into our heart. Our favorite tune of many makes its appearance about half-way through the album “Walk Among the Dead” opens with a bombastic drum groove as the song reveals itself as a minor key anthem with dark lyrics like “live like no tomorrows, no yesterdays, eyes open, heart empty, ‘cause empty hearts don’t break” are enveloped by hard driving lead guitars. The song delivers the emotional yet tough edge that this band has made their trademark. If you want to rock or love a singer-songwriter, or just want to hear a stunningly powerful female vocalist, definitely start listening now! Check the band’s website to buy the album and check for upcoming shows in and around the San Diego area. The album poses the question, “Where are you?” well luckily we found this group and we are right here for the long haul.
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