Julie Doiron — Woke Myself Up

I don't like the term indie chanteuse. It pigeonholes, it's ambiguous and it limits an artist's appeal. Julie Doiron transcends the moniker. Her latest effort sees her reunited with her former Eric's Trip bandmates (acting as a backing band), notably Rick White, who lends his multi-instrumental talents and his skills in the production booth. This collection of personal narratives is more aggressive than Doiron's previous solo work and the added edge suits her. Doiron's impressive vocal talents, combined with her engrossing lyricism and musicianship, which runs the gamut from solo acoustic picking on "Me And My Friend" to the full-on aural assault of "Don't Wannabe/Liked By You," is as captivating at one turn as at the next. Whether she's celebrating her family or admitting less-than-perfect choices in her personal life, Doiron is in top form.