Few indie rock ladies have earned the right to be called a Grand Dame. Julie is on her way to becoming one of the best indie has to offer. Former bass player for Eric's Trip (Canadian Indie band), this cd finds Julie Doiron returning with her former band to back her solo effort. There is an enhanced video of `Me and My Friend' if the cd is played on a computer.
There are blended slightly askew overlapping vocals upon vocals that tie up at the end of the verses. There are wispy guitar works that vibrate and hiss with a quiet urgency. Fans of Happy Rhodes or Cat Power would definitely enjoy this excellent piece of indie showwomanship. Doiron is a renaissance woman of sorts: she can write, she's a professional photographer, and has played on several indie releases including Tragically Hip cds.
It's a bit grittier than Natalie Merchant, but the vocals have similar textures and tones. Not over produced, but not quite lo-fi, there is some hiss and unintentional echo that only adds to the subdued effort that Doiron easily manages to convey. I strongly suggest that you give this cd a listen. If you can appreciate the guitar twists of Vic Chesnutt, you will enjoy the minimalist approach Doiron uses.
Jeff Feezle of Macafeez
