Trouble
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A New York City songstress with a penchant for motorcycles, acting and gritty rock’n’roll, Julia Haltigan brings us a true NYC record here with rugged, poetic and street wise song craft here.
“ice Cream Switchblade” starts the album with a firm rock’n’roll spirit as Haltigan’s vocals find a place to reside between sweet and biting, and “You Don’t Even Know It” follows with a calmer delivery where backing vocals and horns complement the affair.
Elsewhere, “Walk Away” brings ‘80s nods to the driving, fuzzy setting and Haltigan shows us her softer side with the warm balladry of “Wool”. “Mind Eater”, one of the best tunes, thrives with a darker demeanor and pop sensibilities that take nods to her other bands, as Haltigan proves that her bristling formula can get FM friendly, too.
Though her full time gig is as a jazz crooner, Haltigan has the spunk, energy and talent to become a formidable rock icon, also, as Trouble proves with each gripping, powerful track.
Travels well with: Blondie- Plastic Letters; Lou Reed- Coney Island, Baby