Album Review: Indian Red - Julia

Julia draws on the overused whimsical forest animal aesthetic of indie-pop du jour, but occasionally reinvents it in a way that really shines. For instance, almost oriental-infused string elements are paired with soaring vocals in the upbeat title track, endowing it with a magical touch. Contemplative opener Heavy Hearted Girl doesn't necessarily grab you in the same way, but its scratchy tone and production endows it with a unique atmosphere – like the musical version of an old film reel. Maintaining a coherent, spirited vision, later tracks are much folksier.