Swing Your Lanterns
Pravda, 2023
8/10
The guitarist and writer Ivan Julian has an impressive resume that includes writing songs for Richard Hell And The Voidoids, The Clash, Shreikback, and The Outsets, among others, and this body of work brings songs that document his experiences over the last 5 years.
“Cut Me Loose” opens the listen with Julian’s powerful voice and swirling guitar alongside Jared Michael Nickeron’s electric bubble bass that adds to the bouncy and raw post-punk climate, and “Can’t Help Myself” follows with Erin Woods’ agile drumming and Derek Brand’s proficient bass complementing Julian’s well timed organ and rugged vocals.
“Love Is Good” takes the middle spot, and places Florent Barbier on drums for the soulful and intimate delivery that recruits many backing vocalists, while “I Am Not A Drone (alone)” builds into a tense and dynamic, jangly rocker that showcases Keith Streng’s precise percussion amid Julian’s guitar, bulbul tarang, bass and tambourine.
Arriving near the end, “Voodoo Christmas” places Nick Tremulis on guitar and Julie Amalric on backing vocals for the darker textures, and “Love Affair” exits with Julian being joined by Sam Chen’s crisp drums for the gritty melodies and poetic finish.
A very distinct listen that touches on the blues and isn’t short on firm grooves, either, Julian and company make for a noisy yet tuneful 10 tracks that certainly don’t shy away from his protopunk past, thankfully.
Travels well with: Nora O’Connor- My Heart; The Handcuffs- Burn The Rails