Review
If you’re like me, it’s pretty rare to fall in love with an album the first time through. Even some of my favorite albums took at least a couple of listens to really connect with. This is just one more reason why “Perfect Season,” the latest from the Ypsilanti-based quintet, The Juliets, is unique. What really sets this album apart, though, is Jeremy Freer’s polished and pop-hook laden song writing combined with the aggressively arranged cello and violin of classically trained musicians, Kaylan Mitchell and Sarah Myers. Beautifully melodic ballads like the title track, “A Perfect Season,” are woven between straight-ahead rock songs like “Only You,” driven by Jacklyn Phillips’ tight and powerful drum flourishes. Freer’s lyrics range from the playfully whimsical first single, “Loon,” to the ponderous desire evident in “G.W.N.L.” asking, “Do you love me? / Baby repent / I’ll be your religion, beginning and end / Amen!”
While Perfect Season is not entirely different from the band’s self-titled 2010 debut, there’s no doubt that their sound has progressed and matured, taking advantage of the diverse musical styles of its members. Perfect Season will be available starting November 5 at the band’s record release party at Woodruff’s in Depot Town and on their website, TheJuliets.bandcamp.com.