Since her simultaneous debut/breakthrough alongside James Holden on the long ascribed classic ‘Nothing’, Julie Thompson has never been far from the minds & hearts of electronic music’s most discerning. She’s been the voice/front-woman on hits from a wide range of producers, Tiësto, the Freemasons, Sean Tyas and the Freestylers to name but a few. Through tracks like ‘My Enemy’, ‘No Frontiers’ and ‘Let Go’ she’s also notably become the vocal-muse/go-to-girl for Finnish high-fliers Super8 & Tab. Bringing her gifted lyricism and soul-sear vocals to the broadest possible spectrum of electronic dance music, Julie’s catalogue has come to encompass house, trance, progressive, dubstep, breakbeat, electro and many nexuses in between.
Now, five years after she first made the jump with the ‘Feeling For Corners’ album, Julie is once again crossing the threshold to assume the solo artist role.
Over 11 sensational tracks, written and recorded over the last 20 months, the British singer has crafted the follow-up that fans from across the electronic music lands have long sought. ‘Eye Of The Storm’ has all the expressive introspection, from-the-soul vocals, story-tell lyrics and absorbing metaphor of a singer without contemporary, all approached with her no-stylistic-borders methodology. Each song participates to develop the foundation of a message that seems to stand above all. It is an album that reconfirms Julie Thompson status as one of the most cutting-edge artists both in and outside the EDM world.
Check out our track-by-track review of the album below.
‘Natural’ is a tune which is much deeper and filled with more trance-progressive textures that will draw a listener to its magical soundscape very easily. Julie Thompson’s vocal delivery is exceptional as she has the perfect ethereal tone in her performance that fits the atmosphere of the track.
‘Skin And Bones’ with Andy Duguid induces a cooler edged anthemia. It adopts a very nice wonky groove that I guess is the result of clever combination of a cool percussion, chunky groove and a very unique plus tasty acidic melody that sounds truly exotic.
‘New Day’ is full of tough beats, rough bass lines and feel good melodies on top creating the perfect platform for Julie’s voice to stand out and shine. Her emotionally charged performance will speak straight to your heart.
‘We Are Stars’ is a beautiful trance production with strong melodic luscious themes, epic synths in the breakdown along with soulful vocals rendered by Julie Thompson. The lyrics are optimistic that will surely motivate and empower listeners. Its the kind of tune that unites people and make them feel attached and close to each other.
‘Dive’ is an track which powerful beats, rough electrified basslines and a bit of trance influences. The breakdown is magical with very inspiring lyrics performed in a very emotional and heartbreaking way.
‘My Paradise’ is a magnificent track which brings EDM dimensions to the album. It contains emotional feelings translated effectively into music that will compel listeners to enter into an alternate paradise created by Julie Thompson’s mesmerizing voice. Zachary Zamarripa have made excellent usage of piano melodies.
‘Freeze’ is a tune through which the album transcends again via its slo-mo breaks and chanteuse-ian lament. The breakdown is exceptional with Julie’s vocals combined with a break beat style sequence underneath.
‘Fortune Smile’ is a powerful emotional evocative intense progressive trance record with atmospherically bleached out synths and speedily paced, running riffs. Julie Thompson’s vocals sound full of life and optimism.
“Your Secret’s Safe” incorporates all the goodness and beauty of trance. This collaboration between Julie and Super8 & Tab is dynamic. The breakdown is filled with ambient elements and opera vocal parts that add a mystic side to it.
‘Loved’ is a beautiful track with a rippingly riffed leadline. Julie Thompson’s dynamic performance will capture your imagination and every word touch your heart. The breakdown is packed with orchestral music influences, romantic piano and guitar riffs.
Finally, onto the title track, “Eye Of The Storm” alongside London-based twosome Pyramid, Julie brings downtempo dubstep, breakbeat & electro aspects to the album, delivering both its titular and tangible eye of the storm.
As polished as it is accomplished, admirably far-reaching and allowing her incredible songwriting abilities and extraordinary vocal range full reign, ‘Eye Of The Storm’ delivers on the first great electronic music artist album of 2015.
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