Juniper
Confidential, 2020
8/10
A youngster from New Jersey with a penchant for pop that often tips its hat to past decades, Juniper released this debut album in 2020, and it didn’t take long to resonate with fans of smart, youthful, melodic music.
“(It All Started On The) Dragon Coaster” opens with a cute, playful spirit of crisp and warm melodies, and “Kids On The Corner” follows with an infectious energy of lo-fi sounds that are scrappy and charming.
Halfway through, “Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys!” emits a punchy and rhythmic demeanor that’s got some dreamy moments, while “Sticking With My Henry” comes with plenty of power-pop moments that illustrate Juniper’s frisky guitar playing and irresistible voice.
Approaching the end, “Punk Rock Boy” carries all the hallmarks of young love amid its crunchy guitar and thumping drums that make this the album’s best, and “I Don’t Want To Dream About You” exits with some folk tendencies and well placed keys that make much impact.
It’s not hard to think of legends like Kim Shattuck (The Muffs) or Lisa Marr (Cub) when listening to Juniper, and it’s pretty clear that this teenager has a lengthy and esteemed career in front on her.
Travels well with: Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen; Juniper- She Steals Candy