It’s been two decades since The Juliana Hatfield Three put out their one and only album, but based on the band’s sophomore effort none of the trio allowed rust to settle in over the years. Whatever, My Love is a perfect bookend to 1993’s much-lauded Become What You Are.
In the span of 20-plus years, Hatfield has kept herself busy with solo albums as well as a putting in time as a member of Some Girls and last year’s Minor Alps (performing alongside Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws). Meanwhile drummer Todd Philips has been playing with The Lemonheads and and bassist Dean Fisher is part of Tanya Donelly’s current band.
From the opening track, “Invisible” and through the remaining album it’s the 1990s all over again – never a bad thing – with the band channeling the spirited pop and alt rock of their debut.
It’s a tough to try and live up to an album that has become a classic to fans across the globe, but The Juliana Hatfield Three manage to pull together one hell of a follow up. Only time will tell if the songs on Whatever, My Love hold up 20 years from now as well as those from their debut.
The Juliana Hatfield Three – Whatever, My Love/12 tracks/American Laundromat Records/2015
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