juicer drops debut album ‘Retire The Fences’

Based in Brooklyn, New York, newcomer band juicer is the project led by California-native James Watson, who found previous success in notable projects like Pratley and Criminal Hygiene. With a lineup featuring Donovan Edelstein on drums, Carlo DiBiaggio on bass and Greg Crotty on guitar, juicer quickly immersed themselves in the indie rock scene of New York City and beyond, bringing their music alive on stages from Brooklyn to Boston to Philadelphia with their well-received performances.

juicer was born from James Watson’s personal journey, marked by a move from Los Angeles to New York City in 2021. This pivotal moment inspired a new creative spark, resulting in a collection of songs that explore the themes of departure, growth and the quest for new beginnings. To bring these songs to life, he enlisted the expertise of local creatives, including engineer Hayden Ticehurst, drummer Preston Fulks and producer and guitarist Jeremy McLennan.

Last summer the band unveiled its sound with the debut single “Trickin,” which was followed by singles two and three with “Family Man” and “Let Go” coming earlier this year. Now presenting the full-scope of their sonic vision, they bring us their brand new debut record titled Retire The Fences, an 8-song album that provides a compelling reinterpretation of 90s and 00s indie rock, infused with juicer’s unique sonic imprint.

Kicking the release off with the band’s first singles, “Trickin” starts with airy vocals floating over the bright strums of guitar, lo-fi rattle of drums and pulsing bass lines to craft a woozy indie sound full of delicate melodies and intricate arrangement. Soft guitar leads twang alongside James Watson’s hushed vocal leads to craft a subtly uptempo outing with a dreamy aesthetic and truly charming sound.

“Family Man” shimmer with hazy guitar tones and jangly chords riding a bouncy rhythm as elegant vocals drift in to form an upbeat sound of blissful melodies and hazy musical fabric. Memorable vocal hooks and graceful vocal performance is underpinned by the alluring blend of instrumentation resulting in a delightful jam that puts the band’s appealing songwriting on full display.

With “Let Go,” the band serves up a gentle anthem of catchy vocal lines floating over a blend of cymbal-heavy drums, bold rhythm and lightly gritty guitars. Capturing a timeless sound filtered through the band’s own thoroughly modern sonic lens, it’s another impeccable slice of contemporary indie music that demonstrates the compositional flair and musicianship panache of this exciting new act.

Other highlights on the record include the buoyant “Why Don’t” with its playful guitar flutters, grooving bass lines and laid back percussion setting up an inviting scene above which James spins smooth melodies. “Strawberry Life” pairs the pattering snap of drums with competing layers of guitar rhythms and leads to offer a cheerful sound capped with mellow vocals that contrast the jumpy drums before swelling to a stunning chorus that’s sure to stay with you long after hearing it.

Closing the album with “Dream,” the band takes you on one final journey through their enduring indie rock sound with the punch of drums, melodic bass work and warm guitar timbres providing the backdrop for silky vocal leads to hover above. From start to finish, on juicer deliver a stellar listening experience on a sensational debut album that marks this outfit as a must-watch band on what’s sure to be their breakout year.

Listen to Retire The Fences below