Jillian Speer - ​Daggers & Suede

Jillian Speer

​Daggers & Suede
self-released; 2015

​3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Jillian Speer is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter who recently released her EP entitled Daggers & Suede. Daggers & Suede is ultimately a pop album but a number of other styles show up here and there. Speer is at her best when she lets loose almost as if she is improvising. More on that soon.

The album starts with “Fast Car” which is a Tracy Chapman song. I highly recommend the version Xiu Xiu did if you haven't heard it. I enjoyed Speer’s version but I have to admit I liked the delivery on the verse better than the chorus. The verse seemed more soulful and subdued while the verse felt overly poppy. 

The title track is a solid tune with a catchy vocal melody. It’s probably the most single worthy track out of the six. The everlasting crescendo towards the end will be to many people's liking. “Spill” was a highlight and I started to realize how much I liked her voice when she digs in deep and makes it soulful.

“Dum Dum Dai” is the track that has a bit more attitude, energy and really a different vibe from the previous songs. Speer goes off with her vocal performance and I have no idea what she was saying but I enjoyed what I heard. It reminded me of Eastern style singing at point. The lead electric is also a nice addition to this song. “Fisherman” is another strong song, which has an inspired vocal performance while the closer “Change is Constantly Closing” winds things down with a smooth but perfectly enjoyable track.

Speer has a lot of talent. She is a great vocalist and great guitarist who can write a good song. There are a lot of good things happening on the album and I hope to hear more soon.

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