Boston's Junius have released a new record, to which I am listening at this very moment thanks to my friend Justin Hull who introduced the band to me a couple of years ago. Reports From The Threshold Of Death is just lovely work: thoughtful and heartfelt, poppy yet heavy, abrasive yet smooth, and most predominantly - full.
The album maintains a wonderful motif of fullness, lightness, and understanding. Even the heavy parts are somehow ethereal and soothing in a way that I find unique to this record. Full spectrum sound sweeps through your speakers as a singularity - one comprised from a swirling chorus of voice, airy synth pads, distorted guitar grit, and tidy well-placed percussion. At times it feels like the epic soundtrack to a surreal and fantastical film, full of astounding otherworldly images. Vocals are simple and straightforward - void of the gimmicks and trends that seem to infect today's rock genres like plagues. There is certainly both confidence and maturity at work here; nowhere is there overcompensation or even a single note or beat that does not fit. Junius are doing what they do, not answering to any particular expectation.
Reports From The Threshold Of Death rejuvenates the listener with a calm clarity. The deafening silence met at the end of the album is a testament to the richness of its sound...it leaves the listener in content reflection. There is no urge to respin this record after a complete observation...not because it isn't a great record, but because it is a different kind of great record: one that is whole and complete just as it is - not in need and not in surplus...and that is quite special.
The vinyl pressing is excellent. I opted for the band's website-only edition which is an exquisitely gorgeous piece of vinyl, which you can see below - a very nice complement to the album's artwork.
Junius have clearly reached new ground, and their footing is sure and solid. Where their next climb will take them should be very interesting indeed.
The vinyl pressing is excellent. I opted for the band's website-only edition which is an exquisitely gorgeous piece of vinyl, which you can see below - a very nice complement to the album's artwork.
Great album and excellent review, as always, Jeramy.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Junius is that their focus seems to be on making their albums a complete work rather than a collection of songs. With their last couple albums, I think it really shows.
When I first listened to Martydom of a Catastrophist all the way through I became enthralled by their ability to tell a story with sound. It was as if the life of Immanuel Velikovsky was being layed out like story book.
...Even I like it. Plus the vinyl is pretty.
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