
Down In June - Covers...Death In June [Nerus - 2008]I’ll have to admit I was rather doubtful when I first heard about this project; cover collections or tributes are often very hit and miss and more often than not misses. But I’m happy to report this is a hugely successful through out with Down in June really making these track’s very much their own and mixing in all manner of often surprising musical genres along the way too. The songs mix in female and male vocals, electronics/ synth & beats, along with more organic flavours such as; acoustic and electric guitar elements, accordion, trumpet, Melodica, ect. With the tracks covering a large amount of sonic ground; We go from Fall Apart’s shady indie pop rock vibe, to Hollows of Devotion’s haunting US Country folk intimacy, to the brooding and atmospheric synth simmer and electro texturing and dammed male/female gospel singing of Fields of rape. To the twitching post punk pop meets elctronica and violin saw of Frost Flowers, to the pumping folk rock indie brass lined vibe of To drown a rose in White that along it’s way slips into; ritual percussion workout and snow drop toy piano steps before slipping into dramatic and doomy singer songwriter piano march; lined with jazzy edger’s and apocalyptic intent. Really this is one the most effective, rewarding and consistent cover projects I can ever recall- the only other band who I think have every successful made others music there own so well would be The Residents This release deservers to go way beyond the normal Death In June and Neo Folk fan base, as the tracks here are so varied & creative yet still tuneful atmospheric and very cleverly executed.      Roger Batty
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