
The Julies Announce debut album Always & Always
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The Julies never got a chance to make a full-length record. After releasing two EPs in the mid-90s, including the acclaimed Lovelife EP, they disbanded. Despite that, a devoted fanbase grew around their music, a singular mixture of 80s post-punk and 90s shoegaze and britpop influences. Now, more than 20 years later, The Julies are back to announce the release of their debut full-length Always & Always.


The Julies made their first blip on the scene with 1994âs self-released January EP. Drenched in guitar effects so evocative of their time, this noisy, dreamy collection brought them the attention of NYCâs festival scene (CMJ, New Music Seminar) and major labels. In the meantime, they signed to upstart label Flying Tart and immediately recorded Lovelife. Its release was much delayed and became one of the final releases on the label before it imploded. The long, frustrating delay contributed to the bandâs implosion as well. The band watched through the years as their modest mystique persisted: âWhatever happened to The Juliesâ was practically an online mantra from fans, old and new.
In 2020, the bandâs legacy was cemented by reissues of Lovelife on vinyl and January on cassette, both via Lost in Ohio. The excitement surrounding the reissues prompted a majority of the band to reunite. What started off as a pandemic passion project quickly evolved into record-making, fueled by an inevitable (yet somehow still improbable) second wind.
The title Always & Always is an oblique wink and nod to this unexpected outcome. âItâs our second chance to poke and prod at the divine with our sounds, our art,â says singer and lyricist Chris Newkirk. âWe felt like we made forever-ish music before and now weâre making it again. The double âAlwaysâ just feels like a romantic way to describe our work and our return.â
The Julies spent much of 2022 finishing this new collection of songs in Philadelphia at Headroom Studios, with producer/engineer Kyle Pulley (Hop Along, Modern Baseball, Diet Cig) at the helm. The Julies reboot features three of the five original membersâsignificantly, guitarists Alex Yost and Patrick Zbyszewski, whose guitar work has always had a knack for finding instant, fluid synergies. Itâs not a stretch to say that you can hear in Always & Always the onus for the guitars to now carry the bandsâ songs in addition to defining their sound.
Stylistically, Always & Always sees The Julies honoring their long-time influences (the eclecticism of The Cure serving as guidepost) while exploring new sonic territories. And then thereâs the grounding that comes from another 25 years of life lived; Chrisâs lyrics shift lenses from self-absorption and unrequited love and focus in on living a happily mundane life in this stilted world we inhabit together â all without sacrificing the widescreen emotion the band is known for.
Always & Always is out September 29, on all digital streaming platforms, and will also be available as a limited-release pressing on pink vinyl. It is available for pre-order now!