Julie Lamb - ​Ordinary Days

Julie Lamb

​Ordinary Days
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

I’ve played in enough bands and have listened to enough music over the thirty-six years I have been alive to get an idea of when I hear music on an album that can translate well live. After spending some time with Ordinary Days by Julie Lamb I was thinking to myself that this is music that deserves to be heard live. Why you ask? Well for one thing the music contains a lot of instrumentation. Apparently, the band had twelve members at one point. The other thing that stuck out to me was a lot of the music was funky, upbeat and fun. That being said there is also a 70’s rock vibe. Groups like Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead came to mind. 

​The band is no startup. They have played festivals, climbed the radio charts and have an ever growing fan base. All you need to do is listen to the music to understand that the musicians are seasoned pros. Just listen to the opening track “Bleeding Numbers” which has smooth guitar playing, perfectly placed vocal harmonies against Lamb’s lead and silky smooth horns. The first song is undeniably easy to enjoy and there’s plenty more where that came from.

“Buyer Beware (The Dick Smith Investor Blues)” is definitely a bit bluesy with a specific subject matter while “Standing Proudly” seamlessly combines ’70s funk and rock which can easily make that hesitant person at the wedding finally hit the dance floor.

“Sync Not Automatic” shines a light on the modern ways we communicate. It also happens to be a catchy and one of the more subdued songs of that batch. I thought the drums in particular were impressive in  that they added the energy to a very atmospheric and dreamy sounding song. 

There are more nods to contemporary symbols and signs as the album progresses. Take for instance “Hashtag On A Good Day” which is an a cappella track. I thoroughly enjoyed this track and it was such an unexpected treat.

“Why Do I Forget?” is one of the more emotionally resonant songs on the album. The vocals were breathy and dynamic on this track. They close with the carefree and funky “Mind Flit.”

Overall, Ordinary Days is a dense, eclectic album. There is no doubt about that. It’s quite epic in scope. I thought the musicianship and production was superb on this album. Highly recommended.

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