Fourteen years as the rock-chick out front for Fur Patrol have given Julia Deans a confidence that is immediately apparent on Modern Fables.
But what really impresses from the get-go on Julia's first solo effort is the changes in shade and mood, track to track. From wistful andplaintive waltz-time ballads to cocky pop-rock.
Deans's voice is amazing, from soft and fragile to high energy, but always driven by great melodies and lyrically she's also exceptionally strong.
I guess that's what the years and years on the road produces.
Deans takes a much more acoustic approach than the rock format of Fur Patrol, including upright bass and guitars, and with tasty harmonies and overlays adding depth to the vocals.
Picks of an outstanding line-up for me are the dreamy opening song Little Survivor, the title track, and the ethereal finale Icecream. Julia Deans, you're far more than the rock-chick you've demonstrated in Fur Patrol. Fantastic. 4.5/5
