Santafel

Released in May 2014, 'Santafel' serves as a foundational document in Julia Jacklin's discography, predating her breakout debut by two years. This five-track EP is characterized by its extreme minimalism, eschewing the full-band indie rock leanings of her later work in favor of a skeletal folk approach. Recorded with a focus on vocal proximity, the production is 'dry' in the truest sense, featuring almost no artificial reverb, which places Jacklin's voice at the absolute front of the mix. Lyrically, the EP explores themes of transition and the loss of innocence, most notably on 'Coming Of Age' and the title track. While it received limited critical attention upon release compared to her later LPs, it has become a cult favorite for fans seeking the rawest expression of her songwriting. The recording captures a specific moment in the Sydney folk scene of the mid-2010s, existing as a bridge between traditional Americana influences and the modern indie-folk sensibility she would eventually master.