Alabama quartet Jule Vera is currently taking the rock world by storm. Following the likes of PVRIS, this talented bunch are stealing hearts with their pop-infused rock music, and it’s working. The creation of the band is just shy of two years old, but they’ve already signed to Pure Noise Records, are playing the entirety of Vans Warped Tour this summer, and have released their delectable EP ‘Friendly Enemies’.
Opening with instrumental ‘1896’, they’ve set the stage with this ethereal, haunting track, composed of piano keys, before they launch into the rousing ‘Chemical Machine’. The riffs are electric, and compliment songstress Ansley Newman’s smooth, yet energetic, vocals. Single ‘Light the Night’ is packed with bouncy choruses and melodic hooks, creating a fun and quirky track, one that will get crowds bouncing and dancing along in absolutely no time whatsoever.
‘Scarlet Letter’ slows the tempo down with this beautiful piano-led track, really showcasing Ansley’s vocals, while ‘One Little String’ brings some melancholy with their emotional lyrics of “Cause love is a maze/and I’m broken hearted here” – but still maintain their brilliant fusion of bubble-gum pop and stomping rock music. Brimming with indie-pop goodness, Jule Vera create storming tracks in ‘Die Trying’ and title ‘Friendly Enemies’, combining robust riffs with tenacious drumming.
They sign off with ‘You Can’t Mess It Up’, a final blast of pure energy, completed with burning, blistering riffs, furious drum work, and durable vocals. And what a way to round off this EP – from start to finish, Jule Vera have shown why they’re serious contenders to become the band that everyone needs to keep an eye on come next year. If they keep doing what they’re doing, Jule Vera will be the most talked about act for a long time.
JESS TAGLIANI