Ordinary Days - launch date 11 March 2017.
Julie Lamb (Band) is a 11 piece funky - blues rock band "with a 70's vibe", from Wellington.
From the get go, when I received the email introducing Julie and band I was enchanted, anyone that starts an email with "A swish and flash of unicorn dust" has my attention.
Bleeding Numbers, the first track on the album was released 18 Jan 2017. It has a laid back cruisy vibe with a tendency to stick in your head (my partner described it as "catchy" and I caught him humming the track more than once).
The studio recording of Bleeding Numbers gave me a sense that this is a close group of musicians, that love what they do, and are having fun doing it, but in the same breathe I will say that this is a professionally constructed album, engineered with skill.
Ordinary Days is a slick, smooth collection of beautifully composed lyrics, Julie has a wonderfully melodic voice, which is enhanced by her backing vocalists and band.
I found the whole album enjoyable, the lyrics and composition captivated me. This is honest and upbeat and Julie's pride and love of music shines through in every song.
The standout track for me, if I were to choose just one, would be number ten on the album, Jean Pierre (The Chocolatier), I don't know why but it made me want to lick a big bar of chocolate, and that made me smile.
Ordinary Days has a nice chilled Kiwi vibe, refreshing and fun. This is highly recommended listening.
KICK-ARSE FUNKY POP: Get lost between the stories and the groove
The Julie Lamb Outfit is an 8 piece Aotearoa funk-pop collective - In between the stories and the groove you'll find yourself in a high energy, smile-a-minute space.
Mischief, stories, sentiment, groove. Not always in that order.