Known as Fur Patrol's charismatic and charming front-woman, Julia Deans has been singing fables and truths to New Zealand audiences since the late 90's. Deans' voice careens and soars and is able to shift elegantly between heartbreaking falsetto to an assured growl. It's a voice you know, and one that has only enriched itself in the years since we first heard it.

Now stepping out of her Fur Patrol shoes, July 12th sees the release of her long awaited solo album. Julia Deans' Modern Fables is a step away from the anthemic, sonic journeys Fur Patrol created and while there are still moments of rock grandeur, Deans has allowed more of an introspective, acoustic pop side of her songwriting to emerge. Older music is referenced in both the production and sound of the album, making this a warm, lush and spacious record akin to something created in the 70's. At times tinged with folk, at others pure balladry, Modern Fables showcases a talent gracefully exploring other avenues of musical expression.

Recorded across three cities - Berlin, Christchurch, Melbourne – Deans enlisted old friends and trusted acquaintances to help make the creation of Modern Fables as warm and personal as the writing of it. With Dino Karlis (HDU, Dimmer), Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight), Aaron Tokona (Cairo Knife Fight, Weta), Richard Pickard (Solaa), Karl Kippenberger (Shihad) all lending their musical talents to the record, David Wernham has pieced it all together throughout the recording and mixing process.

First single 'A New Dialogue' gives a shimmering glimpse of what Modern Fables will unfold and showcases her lyrical style and what inspires her songs - a collection of contemplative observations and candid confessions.

 

Worth the wait, this record doesn't disappoint; Julia Deans delivers some of the best songs she's ever written.