The Julian Taylor Band have developed some significant material on their new album Tech Noir. The 12-track release displays the full comfort range of the group and delivers accessible songs inspired by multiple genres. Building all tracks from a comfortable R&B/soul base, Julian Taylor and his mates delve into some interesting territory, including the moderately modulated, electro-adjacent groove of "Heatwave" and the fretless bass anchored, roots-nostalgia narrative "Carry Me Home." Also noteworthy is debut single "Never Give You Up," on which falsetto verses and string-accented choruses provoke a complex emotional response, a combination of the more outstanding instrumental elements of the album.
The consistency of Julian Taylor's compositions is a real accomplishment, although they suffer somewhat from a lack of real risk-taking. It must be noted, however, that they excel within established genres and demonstrate exemplary songwriting skills.
(Independent)The consistency of Julian Taylor's compositions is a real accomplishment, although they suffer somewhat from a lack of real risk-taking. It must be noted, however, that they excel within established genres and demonstrate exemplary songwriting skills.