Crushing

Released in 2019, Crushing is Julia Jacklin's second studio album and a definitive statement in modern indie folk. Produced by Burke Reid, the album's sonic identity is defined by its 'dry' production - a deliberate lack of artificial reverb that places Jacklin's voice in the same physical space as the listener. This technique heightens the impact of her lyrics, which frequently explore themes of bodily autonomy and the psychological toll of intimacy. Moving away from the more alt-country leaning sounds of her debut, Crushing leans into a minimalist indie-rock aesthetic, utilizing clean electric guitars and a tight, focused rhythm section. The album was recorded largely live to tape, preserving the raw, unpolished energy of the performances. Critically, it was hailed as a masterpiece of the 'breakup album' subgenre, noted for its lack of melodrama and its focus on the mundane, often painful logistics of ending a long-term partnership. It solidified Jacklin's reputation as a premier songwriter of her generation, capable of turning specific, personal observations into universal emotional truths.