Los Angeles-based trio julie has released their debut album, My Anti-Aircraft Friend, showcasing a fresh take on noise rock that evokes both emotional depth and chaotic soundscapes. The band, initially formed by Keyan Pourzand, Alexandria Elizabeth, and Dillon Lee during their high school years in Lake Forest, Orange County, have exchanged their academic pursuits in architecture for their passion for music.
The album follows their 2020 single, Flutter, a track that resonated widely and amassed over 30 million streams shortly after its release. The success of Flutter came as a surprise, pushing the band to evaluate their future as musicians over their initial career plans in architecture. In December 2022, driven by their newfound fame, all three members dropped out of the Southern California Institute of Architecture.
Reflecting on their sound, Pourzand acknowledges feeling constrained by the shoegaze label, stating that they are eager for new descriptors that align more closely with their mission. My Anti-Aircraft Friend explores themes of identity and mental health, merging influences from the likes of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine. The band’s lyrical content magnifies personal struggles, as seen in songs like Feminine Adornments and Clairbourne Practice. These tracks not only highlight their lyrical vulnerability but also the depth they infuse into their music.
As they continue to navigate their journey amidst the crowded indie rock landscape, julie articulates their desire to push boundaries while making music that resonates deeply with their experiences. The culmination of their efforts is evident in My Anti-Aircraft Friend, an album that strives to redefine their musical path without looking back at traditional rock conventions.