25 September 2026 – Julia Jacklin Finds Freedom, Love and Complications on The Gem

Julia Jacklin returns with The Gem, her fourth studio album and her first release for 4AD, recorded entirely in Melbourne with co-producer Robert Muinos. Jacklin has always been exceptionally good at describing the uncomfortable distance between what people want and what they actually do, and The Gem places that tension right at the centre of the record. Love, independence, spirituality and the occasional desire to run away from all three circulate through ten tracks including "Brand New," "God Sometimes," "Angel Vision" and the wonderfully titled "Get Away From Me (I Think I'll Love You Soon)."

The latter arrived as an early signal that Jacklin was allowing a little more sunlight into the room, with bright 1980s-flavoured jangle pop replacing some of the heavier atmosphere associated with her earlier work. Yet The Gem has not suddenly transformed Jacklin into someone selling inspirational slogans on tote bags. Her writing remains observant, awkward and emotionally specific, which is exactly why it works.

The record ends with "I Wish," featuring Australian folk duo The Maes, while the six-minute "Walk On Me" gives the album room to stretch. Four albums in, Jacklin sounds less interested in supplying answers than becoming increasingly good at articulating the contradictions in contemporary indie rock and folk.