Photos + Article by Emilio Herce
Julia Jacklin performed a sold-out show at Brooklyn Steel this last Friday, September 7th. PRE PLEASURE, her recently released third album (released via Polyvinyl Records), was already in contention for my album of the year, and seeing the songs performed live cemented this for me.
Jacklin opened her set with a solo rendition of “Don’t Let the Kids Win,” before being joined by her band for “Be Careful With Yourself” a highlight from PRE PLEASURE. Nearly half of the set consisted of songs from her latest, including “Love, Try Not To Let Go,” Moviegoer,” “Lydia Wears A Cross” and “I Was Neon.” These songs sounded as good or even better than their respective recorded versions, a credit to Jacklin’s strong vocals as well as her band, who added subtle and beautiful flourishes to the album tracks. Though Jacklin had started showing symptoms of the flu during soundcheck, (which would lead to the cancelation of her shows last week), you wouldn’t have known it by seeing her live. Jacklin performed with an understated intensity, and it was impossible not to be moved during the show.
Like her previous album, Jacklin has a talent for making her specific, often extremely heartwrenching and personal song vignettes, feel universal. Towards the end of the show, my friend, who came having known nothing of Jacklin’s music, turned to me and made the observation that Jacklin must have gone through a breakup. It’s true that a lot of Jacklin’s earlier work deals with interpersonal, and specifically romantic turbulence, but with the new album there seems to be a break in the clouds, and an openness to love and happiness. Songs like “Too In Love To Die,” “Love, Try Not To Let Go,” and ” Be Careful With Yourself” especially portrayed a longing for connection and deep devotion, even at the risk of being hurt again.
All of us in attendance were very lucky to experience these songs firsthand, and I fully expect Jacklin will soon be selling out much larger rooms. Hopefully, Jacklin makes a speedy and full recovery, and If you get a chance to see this tour you should not miss it.
Find the rest of the gallery of photos posted in the gallery below.
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