Epic wouldn’t support her, but it’s safe to say that Sony BMG made the right call when they gave Juliet Simms and Automatic Loveletter a chance. Truth Or Dare, the band’s first official full-length release, kicks off with “Heart Song” which, with strong, edgy vocals and a drum beat that’s gonna make your foot tap, is a perfect example of what is to come.
“Fade Away” shows the diversity of Automatic Loveletter with mellow vocals by Juliet Simms with lyrics “I don’t want to fade away // Yet the days go so quickly”. The album’s pace starts back up with the bright spot of the record, “Story Of My Life”. The song is what the title suggests: Juliet’s tale of being on the road since age 15. “What doesn’t kill me just makes me stronger // I’d rather live free of them” perfectly sums of what Truth Or Dare is; The bands first true shot at what they deserve.
“So take me away // Let’s get out of this town // Run baby, run // We’re unstoppable now” is the chorus of the sure-to-be single “Let It Ride”. With help from producer, Josh Abraham, Automatic Loveletter has all the bases covered for a solid debut album
“My Goodbye” originated from the Epic Record days and is a product of quarrels between the two over rewriting the song to make it more “presentable”. And not only is it presentable, but it’s the best song on the record as Simms’ hastily sings, “How am I supposed to breathe // The more I live it’s killing me”.
“Butterflies” kicks off the end to Truth Or Dare with an infectious riff and a drumbeat that’s sure to exhaust your foot by the end of the song as Simms proclaims, “I’m holding on to all I had”. “Back To Life” closes the album as an acoustic track that brings Juliet Simms’ vocals front and center in perhaps the record’s most vulnerable song. “Back To Life” ends with you wanting more, and is the perfect summary of just how much Automatic Loveletter brought to the table with their first release.
Juliet Simms is most famous for her guest spots on All Time Low and Cartel songs, but don’t count her out as a good lyricist, because she certainly can compete with Gaskarth and Pugh. Automatic Loveletter have been given a well-deserved chance, and Truth Or Dare will certainly be a summer soundtrack for many.
***.5/*****
