Julia Hudak | Photo by Michelle Goodwin | instagram.com/mitchshe | courtesy of the artist
Bucks County singer-songwriter Julia Hudak returns with the stunning “Helambu”
We first encountered Julia Hudak this winter when she turned in a remarkable performance for the Random Tea Sessions. The song, “Helambu,” was a gripping blend of measured acoustic guitar lines and Hudak’s soulful voice, which reminded us a lot of Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten. Today, Hudak unveiled the studio rendition of the song – the opening track on her debut EP, Careful of the Nettles – and we’re bowled over once again.
The singer-songwriter from Upper Black Edy, Bucks County knows how to craft a mood. The song begins with solitary guitar and voice, and progressively swells with the addition of bassist Caleb Gohen (also of recent Key Sessions stars Meddlesome Meddlesome Meddlesome Bells) and drummer Derrick Haze – not to mention production finessing by Brendan Youngquist and Dylan Tasch.
The urgency and tension build, but the pace stays deliberate, recalling moments of Cat Power, Low and Pink Floyd. In short, it’s a stunner, and is a good case for keeping Hudak on your radar. Give it a listen below. Careful of the Nettles is out June 21st via Bandcamp.