A Contrasting Mix of Acoustic and Rock Well Done.

The former member of Automatic Loveletter and runner-up of the popular American vocal contest show The Voice, Juliet Simms is back with a second EP release. From The Grave is a generous 8-track EP, self-funded after her All Or Nothing EP released in 2015. This EP embraces acoustic, indie and alternative rock, making it an enjoyable piece for those rock-n-roll fans.

From The Grave kicks off hard with “Get Ready,” surely pumping up the adrenaline-rush for the rest of the EP. Starting the song with a strong countdown chant, Simms grungy vocal style gets any listener ready for some rock. “Say Hello” follows the sounds of “Get Ready” with more guitar intensity along with a Southern country touch; the guitar riffs are quite something to listen to on this track.

An abrupt change from the previous acoustic rock heavy tracks, “Tidal Wave” brings total change of sound. It’s an easy pop listen similar to something of Simple Plan’s “Summer Paradise,” though less ‘pop’ with an alternative girl rock vibe to the song. “My Last Whiskey Tears,” like the title would suggest, is a dark bass guitar number. It seems to be an anti-boy move-on song very similar to the style of popular rock band Evanescence, with Simm’s vocal styles as well embracing the lead vocal Amy Lee style. “Trouble Finds You” is a nice number, however the intro tribal chants may throw some off.

“Frances” is another rock number of a slower tempo with lyrics that seem to be a personal rant from within. Simms appeals to those around her to notice her pain and suffering more with lyrics saying, “Wild and free, did anyone stop to think of me?” Although the song does come off a bit repetitive for both the lyrics and the melody, it is one of the deeper tracks from the EP. “Found Missing” is a simple acoustic slow song that ends the EP on a more sentimental note.

The title of this EP definitely triggers some curiosity as to what led Simms to this, what the EP stands for and the personal meaning it holds. From The Grave is an album of many emotions, from grungy vengeance to sentimental sadness, and is an album that shows off Simm’s wide vocal range as well. She is able to produce the husky rock lows to the calming acoustic highs. Creating those contrasting vocals also leads to a wide variety in her sounds which makes this EP even more enjoyable, especially for rock fans. Simms has definitely been paving her way into the music arena as a solo-artist and it will be exciting to see what projects she releases in the near future.