First of JuneCountry of origin:Canada Type of music generally:Beautiful &fierce alternative pop/rock Status:Most recent release, On Bloodless Wings (2021) See also:First of June's site Comparisons:Boys for Pele-era Tori Amos, Universe-era Sarah Slean Covers/own material:Own, occasional covers General comments:Very odd and enjoyable. The overall sound has echoes of "Little Amsterdam" from Tori Amos's Boys for Pele era, like Tori Amos with a lively acoustic band, but that seems like all too easy a comparison, because this group is so talented there's more going on here than that. This is a rich sound that this band could mine for a long time— I find it compelling listening. I like the quality of the songwriting a lot (lots of intriguing and allusive lyrics, and songs that can encompass shifts in mood) and how they put their sound together— the piano dominates and the quality of Vanessa Laurin's playing stands up to close listening. Her slightly smoky voice angles around the melodies, feeling more like a part of the mix of the tunes rather that riding them as Tori's does. The other instrumentation is well put together, too. (Neile) Recommended first album:Any, but I think Lorelei is my favourite. (Neile) Recordings:
Creepy, crawly thingsRelease info:1999—CyberCynic Media—FOJ12799 Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Vanessa Laurin— vocals, keyboard Produced by:First of June Comments:This album sounds very much like Tori Amos with an more acoustic or mainstream rock band, not so electronic on her own band sounds. Or very like Universe-era Sarah Slean: that kind of energy in the singing, piano, and songwriting. The album is odd and enjoyable with powerfully catchy haunting songs. (Neile) creepy, crawly liveRelease info:2000—June Music—12800 Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Vanessa Laurin— vocals, piano Produced by:Stéphane Danis Comments:This is a great live version of most of the songs from Creepy, crawly things, showing the energy of the band in a live setting. Recommended. (Neile) What the Wind BringsRelease info:2001—June Music—foj13000 Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Vanessa Laurin— vocals, piano, organ, foot triggers, high-pitched sounds Produced by:Stéphane Danis Comments:This is a fine follow-up album to their first album. Very similar and still full in sound, even though their bass player left. Again Vanessa Laurin's piano work, especially, and her vocals, are the focus of the songs. Or maybe I should say that the focus is the strong songwriting. The songs feel all-of-a-piece similar to each other but because there are so many fine and various moments and intriguing, individual touches to each tune (and because I like this kind of song so much) it's not a matter for complaint but for simply putting the disc on again. (Neile) Waiting for RabbitRelease info:2002— June Music— FOJ14000 Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Stéphane Danis— drums, guitar, keyboards Produced by:Stéphane Danis Comments:This is an darker album than the previous two with a somewhat heavier sound at times and much hunting imagery, full of the story of rabbit and wolf. Lyrics in German at several points. Is it a song cycle? Probably. I don't know for certain. There's plenty of piano but a lot of other sounds and the piano isn't always the focal instrument. Vanessa Laurin's high but dark and smoky voice almost always is. A really intriguing listen that gets richer on repeated plays. (Neile) LoreleiRelease info:2004—June Music—FOJ15000 Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Stéphane Danis— drums, guitar, keyboards Produced by:Stéphane Danis Comments:The opening tracks, "Tooth & Bone" and "Beautiful Lorelei" are so gorgeous and evocative and both fragile and strong in sound and song structure they set the tone for one of First of June's strongest albums. This is a haunting album, with moments so beautiful they nearly hurt. Irresistable for anyone who likes piano-based rock/pop. What can you say about an album that ends with the words "I was invincible" and the album has convinced you that it's true? (Neile) Razor Blade SpineRelease info:2007—June Music Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Stéphane Danis— drums, bass, farfisa, hammond, harpsichord, orchestral arrangements, piano, programming, rhodes, vibraphone, qurlitzer Produced by:Stéphane Danis Comments:This is another solid album by First of June. Their style is constant, but they do it very well: haunting pop, frequently featuring piano, and always featuring Vanessa Laurin's yearning vocals. Only one track here, "Ruby Lips," sounds very Tori-esque, but in a good way—it's the kind of thing I wish Tori still did. First of June have made this territory their own and they rule it. (Neile) All is well that endsRelease info:2010—June Music Availability:See First of June's site Ecto priority:Recommended Comments:Dark and haunting. The piano work is reminiscent of Tori Amos, but to my ears even more so of Charlotte Martin's playing, mixed with The High Violets. It's my first First of June album, and while it's a nice place to spend a half hour, it hasn't inspired me to check out their previous releases. (JoAnn Whetsell) Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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