Every now and then a new artist appears, brandishing a seriously impressive debut and Julia Sinclair is one of them. At five tracks long Sweet Talk boasts diversity across the tracks that come together to create a pretty flawless first effort. There's a story being told here and with the groovy music accompanying it, its one you don't want to miss out on hearing.
Opening the EP is 'Holla' with a laid back pulsing intro Sinclair's vocals drip attitude. Male backing harmonies add another layer that compliment the higher tone Sinclair adopts on the funky track. It's a strong entrance and begins the warm up preparations necessary for the all out dance party 'The World Is Ours' becomes. Allowing the electronics and drum beats to lead the song musically it truly becomes an anthem with an unforgettable chorus claiming "the world is ours and we will have it." However, what really leads this song making it a bold, lively track are the different tones Sinclair accesses becoming both serious and light-hearted with seconds between, telling this story of love and adventure beautifully. Lyrics like 'nobody loves in a straight line' and 'nobody can tell you to love somebody you don't, if you don't' really hit the nail on the head and feel so important Sinclair needs to prepare herself for inspirational status.
Combining elements of the first two songs, title track 'Sweet Talk' is the epitome of attitude and as my sister would say: sass. It's groovy and will no doubt leave your feet aching on your makeshift dance floor (mines my attic room - disaster in terms of repeatedly smacking my head on the beams) but lyrically it makes a stand for all woman desperately clutching for independence and refusing to buy into other peoples' toxic games. Sinclair lets loose - "you don't really love me you just want someone you can control," "you move in close just to twist the knife," - with an absolutely venomous, empowering delivery. It's safe to say she won that battle.
The second half of the EP takes on a somber tone with 'This Too Shall Pass' showing Sinclair's vulnerability for the first time in a fragile manner. Simple guitaring accompanies Sinclair as she croons heartbreaking and totally relatable lines, 'these days its hard to get up, some doors are better left shut.' The chorus picks up, becoming not exactly lighter in tone but a sense of hope and her striking optimism creeps in attempting to knock out all doubts and convince her that 'this too shall pass.'
A soft twinkle of piano keys forms an effortless transition into the final track 'Heaven On Earth' which, like the title says, sounds a little like heaven on earth. It's a stunning tale told with the maturity of adults twice her age- "I know we're not rolling in dough and what we had left has been blown on bills and cheap Merlot" - but also possesses a devastating childlike innocence - "we could build a castle right here with a couple blankets and chairs." There's a crescendo, an explosion of sheer passion musically and emotionally, drums kick in hard and various vocal layers come to a peak finally relenting to allow Sinclair to quietly sing her last lines "we can make this hell heaven on earth."
Sweet Talk is a dazzling debut that'll leave you humming for days. The five songs expose different sides and the multitudes of talent of Sinclair. It's a charming little EP that leaves you rooting for her success and dying to hear more. Sounding like the work of an already accomplished artist it's going to be exciting to see what she does next.
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