Review: Julia Jacklin - Don't Let the Kids Win

Australian singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin releases her debut album 'Don't Let The Kids Win', a gentle and involving 11-track album that showcases her smooth, delightful vocals over a range of tracks that may all sound similar in feel but are the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing break.

Opener 'Pool Party' sets things off strongly, a mid-tempo indie number that ebbs and flows with rhythm. The retro sway of 'Leadlight' is joyfully relaxing, dreamy yet nicely produced whilst 'Coming Of Age' adds more indie-rock to the vibe whilst keeping with the simple, stripped-back feel. 'Elizabeth' and 'Motherland' don't really disturb the pattern of laid back simple production values and dreamy vocals. In fact, its a formula that keeps on flowing through 'Small Talk', 'LA Dream' and 'Sweet Step' with very little in each song to distinguish from the last.

Only 'Same Airport, Different Man' really offers something a bit fresher, with the hook of the title offering something more recognisable and emotional, though it doesn't really deviate much from the established style but does feel a little more varied compared to the preceding tracks.

'Hay Plain' slips back into the earlier style as the LP nears its end, whilst the title tracks concludes the album is a nice, but familiar way.

Julie Jacklin has a very listenable voice and her debut album is a gentle, pleasing listen, but it doesn't really break new ground and is too samey through most of the tracks to really grab your attention. 'Don't Let The Kids Win' is perfect, gentle background listening but it doesn't really do much more than that. (5/10)