Sometimes Julie Change the Mood with Transition EP

Music has a way of speaking and you know this music was made from someone from this background. Yet music knows no background, cos anyone can enjoy it from a different perspective. One thing is San Diego has produced some great things, but usually, we just think of fish tacos and surfing yeah. But this duo has crafted something beautiful for us, that is unique, entertaining and emotional enough to get everyone to enjoy it. Sometimes Julie is a duo from that sunny city, and they have been making noise since 2014. Monica Sorenson and Rick Walker are the brains behind the operation. Rick is a guitar wizard who used to play in a Chicago band called Greeley, and Monica is the one with the powerhouse voice and the piano skills.

Together they have given us a new six-song EP called “Transition”. And I must say indeed it’s a transition into something new. Cos if you’ve heard their older stuff,you’d know they usually lean into alternative and classic rock. But this time around, they said yeah, let’s do something new so they entered a new world where things get a bit more personal. It feels less like a loud rock show and more like a late-night conversation over a bottle of wine. Which means, they didn’t deviate from their roots, but added a twist and turn to it, making it feel more enjoyable and expanded their listening bracket.

If your first track fails to grabs the listeners attention, then the rest of the track has to do the job. But not this time, the EP is welcomed with a grand opening from the track “Carry Her”, a track that sets the stage for the rest of the EP to follow. It has that soulful feel but keeps things intimate. The way the track starts will have you in your feels, relaxed and ready to suck it all in. It’s got this afternoon vibes that carries a little bit of a blues atmosphere that makes you enjoy the track even more. The track keeps you glued and allows you to enjoy the rest of the EP. Next is the title track, “Transition”. This one really hits the theme of the whole record—moving from one phase of life to another. Man, the moment this track starts with those vocals, you’re taken into an atmosphere where you begin to wander and wonder if you’ve been listening to trash music all this while. It’s calm, yet pierces your soul and let’s you reflect on deep personal issues. It keeps reminding you that the questions and the answers are all dependant on you. And that goes on to show Monica’s ability to write lyrics that feel like a gut punch. I give it to her, she nailed the lyrics and I’m in awe and in love with transition.

Then after we’ve been transitioned, we are introduced to “Before” and “I Dreamed of You“. These tracks lean into that indie singer-songwriter territory. They are soft, pretty, and a little bit sad in the best way possible. The track before is very intimate, feels like someone yearning for that touch, that kiss, asking if they are now past their prime, like are they no longer attractive to you? So before everything, love them. And “I Dreamed of You” feels like after Before. Which takes us to how beautiful the storytelling is in here. The arrangements are justified. Each track feels like a gateway into the next track. You can hear a bit of their pop and country influences sneaking in here. “Shooting Star” picks up the energy slightly. This track just does it for me. While the final track, “Finally the Rain“, brings it all to a close. It’s a great ending because it feels like a release of all the heavy emotions they explored in the first five songs.

They recorded this across three different studios in San Diego County, and they brought in a bunch of talented friends to help out with drums, cello, and mandolin. Even though it’s a smaller, more acoustic-leaning project, it sounds rich and full.

Monica says she’s been pouring her heart and soul into these songs for two years. You can definitely tell. She isn’t afraid to talk about loss or the struggle to be yourself. It’s a brave record that doesn’t hide behind big, loud guitars. If you want something that feels honest and handmade, Transition is worth a listen. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day or a long drive when you just need to think.

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