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The First Julia Marvel Newsletter is out!!
Cartoon Rumors Vol 1.1
Show review - Trash March31st, 2005
I arrive just in time for Julia Marvel, who have instantly become one of my favorite Brooklyn bands. The group is a collaboration between Dave Weston (of Nineties pop-punk heroes Weston) and three well-seasoned Brooklyn scenesters – guitarist Martin Nienstedt from Tris McCall’s New Jack Trippers (and several other bands,) bassist Jens Carstensen from Girl Harbor, and drummer Hans Gutnecht (who’s also a professional recording engineer and produced the band’s delightful self-released CD.) The band basically sounds like Weston fed on a steady diet of 70’s and 80’s power-pop; live, they’re a triple threat: Unabashed musical excellence from all players (I had forgotten what an amazing bassist Jens is, and it’s great to hear Martin play unfettered, as he often was playing behind Tris,) Dave Weston’s goofy but endearing stage presence, and Jens’ peerless mugging. This was a fairly impressive 5-band lineup but it didn’t surprise me that Julia Marvel outdrew all the other bands on the bill; remember the name, these guys are going to be a force to be reckoned with, the best NYC band I’ve seen come along since Miracle of 86.
– Jim Testa, Jersey Beat
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The Deli Magazine
Snack of the Day Julia Marvel (issue 4, Sept 05)
Album: The Turkey Sessions
Genre: Indie
This Brooklyn based band, still an unknown treasure in the NYC music scene, has kept busy in ’05 with the release of their album, "The Turkey Sessions," aptly recorded on Thanksgiving Day, 2004. Charming fans at venues across the city, this four piece outfit includes vocalist Dave Weston of 90’s Weston fame; bassist Jens Carstensen, formerly of Girl Harbor; guitarist Martin Nienstedt from Tris McCall’s New Jack Trippers; and recording engineer/ drummer Hans Gutknecht. Paring loud guitars with upbeat melodies, their sound is reminiscent of early Nada Surf with hints of 70’s pop. Julia Marvel are a talented lot, but they don’t take themselves too seriously with tracks like, "I broke her heart, she broke my records" and "Closer to the Action." This is a solid record from start to finish, and although Julia remains a mystery, these artists are certainly worth a marvel. Check out their blog and their quirky cartoon artwork. - by Rachel Rokicki
JULIA MARVEL – The Turkey Sessions
Dave Weston, of 90’s pop-punk heroes Weston, returns to the indie scene with this Brooklyn power-pop combo, backed by several other familiar faces (Jens Carstensen from Girl Harbor, former Tris McCall guitarist Martin Nienstedt, and drummer/recording engineer Hans Gutknecht.) Once you get past the dumb name (whose Julia? There aren’t any girls in the group!), there’s nothing not to like here. It’s not Weston, but Dave Weston’s vocals have the same optimistic buoyancy that he brought to the NJ/PA punk scene a decade ago, and Nienstedt’s guitar – finally unleashed – subtly invokes shades of everything from rootsy Americana to Eighties Britpop to Kinksian power-pop. What’s it sound like? Julia Marvel reminds me most of all of a lot of Seventies and Eighties bands that invoked the Sixties – the Records, Plimsouls, Flamin’ Groovies, early Goo Goo Dolls… None of it sounds dated, yet it’s all subtly familiar. It’s also fresh, upbeat, and energetic far beyond what you’d expect from four guys who came of age back in the days of Brownies and Tramps. It’s a marvel, really; and if I run into Julia, I’ll let her know.
– Jim Testa, Jersey Beat
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