Written by Robert Johnson
Apr 03, 2013 at 08:00 PM
ImageJuliet Simms started her musical career while she was still a teenager. By 2006, she was making waves in the emo punk scene with her band Automatic Loveletter. Her voice was distinct, and the music of Automatic Loveletter was extraordinary. However, the band had its ups-and-downs with its record label and failed to gain the mainstream following it deserved. In 2012, Simms went solo, seizing an opportunity to join the ranks of popular NBC singing competition, The Voice. After finishing second in the competition, Simms signed with Universal Republic Records and released the single “Wild Child.” Subsequently, Simms stripped herself of the show’s production and returned to her roots, embarking on an acoustic tour with Secondhand Serenade.

Simms stopped through Houston for a short, but scintillating performance at Warehouse Live. For her first song of the evening, Simms played “Black Ink Revenge,” originally from the final Automatic Loveletter album The Kids Will Take Their Monsters On. The song was a great introduction to the set, captivating enough to intrigue new followers, while appeasing her hardcore fans. “Black Ink Revenge” was originally released as an acoustic song, which allowed it to transition nicely to the no-frills tour. Unlike the studio release, Simms allowed her voice to travel for the live edition of the song, really exploring the tones and complexities of her unique voice.

In the second song of the evening, Simms treated the audience to a new song, “To Love is To Die.” “To Love is To Die” is a phenomenally fetching song, with a solid chord progression and memorable hook. In many ways, the song reflects a maturation of older songs, like “Makeup Smeared Eyes,” in both composition and vocal performance.

For her next song, Simms took on James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” On the show The Voice, Simms received critical acclaim for her rendition of the famous track. In Houston, the crowd received the song in much the same way. With angst in her voice, Simms gestured emotionally throughout the song, belting out vocal riffs and runs with perfect pitch and timing.

After another new song, “End of the World,” Simms played her most recent single, “Wild Child.” The studio edition of “Wild Child” is thick with production. “Wild Child” is a significant departure from her earlier work sonically, lyrically, and conceptually. Although the song indisputably “poppier” than her other original works, the acoustic version sounded much more in line with the true Juliet Simms sound. The acoustic rendition allowed Simms to showcase the song in a more intimate way, with her enormous voice taking center stage.

The standout song of the evening was “Hush.” The quintessential Juliet Simms song, “Hush” represents everything great about Simms as a musician. An impassioned song, “Hush” is perfectly tailored for live acoustic performances, and Simms absolutely rocked it. Although the song dates back more than six years, Simms performed it with a vigor and passion as if it was written just yesterday.

As a closing, Simms performed a modern cover of The Police track, “Roxanne.” On The Voice, Simms performed the song with the complement of a full band to universal praise. The acoustic version was even better. Simms did a phenomenal job making the song her own, breaking the layers of the original version and putting it back together with new, stylish appeal.

Juliet Simms has come a long way since she hit the scene in 2003. Her music continues to evolve and her star continues to grow. Although it would have been nice to hear more Automatic Loveletter songs (like “Let It Ride”), her performance in Houston was tremendous, allowing fans the opportunity to experience something intimate and unrefined. Above all, Simms’ voice stole the show. Her incomparable, gravelly tone carried the evening in a way that few musicians could successfully pull-off. Simms continues to up her game with each passing performance. If you get the chance to catch her live, don’t pass it up.

Setlist:

Black Ink Revenge
To Love is To Die
It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World
End of the World
Wild Child
Hush
Roxanne

Contact Robert at robert@starsandsatellites.com