In my opinion, indie artists have a particular advantage over mainstream artists: the former are allowed to release music that presumably is more truthful and experimental than the latter without worrying about commercial appeal and album sales. Julia Barry aligns with that notion. On her second album Once, or Twice, Barry utilizes her talent for writing poetic and haunting lyrics in experimental genres such as jazz, blues, and folk music. The tone of the album is love and longing and it is always interesting to listen to artists interpret the inevitable plight of all human beings. For Barry, it is highlighting both sides of the love story-good, bad, and confusing. Although Barry plays with bass, guitar, and drums, the tracks on Once, or Twice are stripped down highlighting Barry's piano playing. Her voice is high, soft, and airy which breezes in and out of her light melodies; in fact, Barry's sound is so breezy it is easy for her words and music to run together and for the listener to drown out what she is saying. However, for Barry, her lyrics will be her calling card as they are for her inspirations-Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, and Fiona Apple. There aren't many exciting moments on the album as the tracks are easy listening to a fault. A good introduction is in But Sweet, the most up-tempo track on the album where Barry digs deep into soulful jazz and What Else, jazzy kiss-off about love that was never meant to be (the guitar solo is pretty great also). Barry's music is probably best heard in her small, intimate shows that fans have described as mesmerizing, provocative, and heartfelt but Once, or Twice makes for a solid showcase of Barry's writing skill and musicianship.