Gig Review: Julia Jacklin- Swapping the fireworks for heartfelt harmonies

Julia Jacklin performing at SWG3, Glasgow. Picture source: Bruce Holden

For anyone who was looking to skip out on the usual thunderous ringing of the routine firework displays, this year’s Guy Fawkes night had that option. The people of Glasgow replaced this obnoxious noise for the much gentler harmonies of Australia’s own Julia Jacklin as she hosted a vibrant performance for a cosy yet spirited crowd at Glasgow’s SWG3.

Following a delicate yet powerful opening from support act Erin Rae Mckaskle, who really set the tone through her dainty acoustic sounds coming from her slow and intricate fingerpicking, alongside her soft vocals that packed a punch. The stage was set for those who had committed to abandoning ship on the familiar bonfire night plans and instead be whisked away by the alluring sounds of Julia Jacklin and her band.

A shy Julia Jacklin approached the front of the stage as the crowd noise grew louder with anticipation of what was to come. Her hypnotising voice, paired with the deliberately sedated melody at times, calmed then eased the audience into the performance, before hitting out with more sanguine tunes that loosely lifted the crowd. This meant by the time Julia dispatched one of her more well-known encouraging songs ‘Pressure to Party’ the crowd and the performers were one and the song was executed almost to perfection.

Throughout the performance, the subtly warm light show wrapped around the audience like one giant hug and really forced the crowd to melt into itself, presenting the feeling that all the private clumps of people had transformed into one brimming body. The light show paired perfectly with the venue, changing only briefly to orange from green with the odd snippet of red at the most heart-warming of songs. Transporting the cosy crowd to the tranquil mind of Julia Jacklin.

Lights change as Julia performs a heart-warming track. Picture source: Bruce Holden

The honest and exquisite vocals of Julia Jacklin were at peak performance on the night and did not disappoint in the slightest. As the crowd was finding itself lost in her and the band's performance, there were certain similarities from other impressive and even decorated artists that could’ve been drawn from. The main resemblance is that of Sharon Van Etten who shares that authentic and direct sound that floods the ears with wonderous vocals. Another comparison of Julia’s singing voice is that of Florence Welch of ‘Florence + The Machine.' This was especially picked up on during her performance of ‘Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You’. However, when pushing her vocals, she was really attacking the song, The same pleasurable grittiness that Florence operates with was to be heard.

Major credits to the band that consisted of Lindsay Aslett on drums; Laurie Torres on keyboard; Mimi Gilbert on bass and Will Kidman on lead guitar. He absolutely stole the show as he was one with his guitar. Through his electric movement, he absolutely shredded through song after song. A man who clearly just loves to play and plays fantastically.

It was a more than fascinating and delightful time at this gig. When asked what it was I had done for bonfire night, I can respond I saw beautiful displays of sound and colour as Julia Jacklin put on a show to truly remember.

★★★★★ - 5/5