Crushing in name and nature, Julia Jacklin’s second album was released in 2019. The album follows the lead up and fall-out to ending a long term-relationship. It is a reflection of sorts, a reflection of self, body and mind, and what it means to be both with and without someone. The sound of the alternative-indie rock album is premised on chilling clarity and vulnerability. Jacklin takes the most recognisable and micro moments of uncertainty and doubt, doused in all of it’s complexity, and serves them to you in blistering couplets.
“Body” is the first of the album, a five minute long simmer that starts with leaving a humiliating lover that got her kicked off a domestic flight, and ends with an epic boil of claiming self and body. “Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You”, is a desperate plea to make a dying relationship work. Morphing and altering ourselves seems to be an easier task than breaking the heart of someone we love. At this point in the album it becomes clear things need to end. “Pressure to Party” was the first song I learnt on the guitar, so it is banned from being played in my flat. However, it follows the grudging re-entrance into dating life post-break up due to the pressure of well-meaning friends.
Crushing is a statement of self, it is both freeing and internalising. I wish I had discovered this album earlier. If you’re looking for a message from the universe to end a crushingly-done relationship, this is it!