The Melbourne indie rocker explores autonomy and love from an omnipotent perspective

The Australian singer-songwriter surrenders to the idea of change, filling her warm, reassuring songs with poignant imagery and a greater sense of perspective

Melbourne-based singer songwriter goes back to her roots on fourth album and enhances her burgeoning reputation

With more confidence, sparseness and sharpness, Julia Jacklin’s The Gem features some of her most direct and affecting songs yet

A true gem, indeed

All in all, the familiarity of The Gem works in the album’s favour

Reestablishes Julia Jacklin’s spot as one of indie rock’s most intriguing songwriters, but it does lack sonically at moments

Although it features undermined sentiments like, "I got through, and I’ll be fine/Still I wish someone had been there at the time," it ultimately looks forward. Perhaps most impactful, however, is that The Gem finds an audible comradery in its group performances

If The Gem is frequently beguiling, it’s for this tamped volatility or simmering despondence, a not-so-quiet desperation bubbling in the depths

The album asks what independence is worth when it starts to look like crushing loneliness

The Gem’s highlights will easily stand alongside Jacklin’s multi-faceted works to date

Blends mystery and intimacy with luscious pop-rock, bright, upbeat jangle and stripped-back acoustics

The Gem quietly dazzles. Print edition only

What's striking about it is its looseness, even at its most lyrically turbulent

A jewel. Print edition only

Closer 'I Wish' is, as is tradition on her albums, a lullaby to her younger self, on which she reflects on pulling through a hard time alone

The Gem finds the singer refining what she does best, while pushing her sound into more daring territory, with a blend of restless energy and bittersweet lyricism