Search - June of 44 :: Anahata

Still listening

John Newman | New York, NY USA | 08/30/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Rythmically specific, no embellishments, interesting, arresting brass arrangments, not meant for the radio - then the singer happens. I can't quite tell if he sings well-below average on purpose or if he's merely preternaturally unqualified to croon. Whatever the case, it's not fun to listen to - the singing that is. And though you are aware of the talent, thoughtfulness and intelligence of the musicians, the music can become irritatingly, almost pretentiously repetitive, to the point where you want to ask: "do you really like what you're playing THAT much?""

The Sound of a Band Seeking Change

John Carswell | Franklin, TN | 01/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thanksgiving 1998 brought a dream show for me. Three of my favorite bands - Fugazi, June of '44, and Elliott - all performed together in my hometown of Louisville, KY over that break. At that show, June of '44 performed all new songs I believe. It was before Anahata, and I remember thinking that they completely rocked that night.



When this album came out about seven months later, I saw bad review after awful review for it. People hated it. To this day I have never seen fans turn on a band like I saw people turn on June of '44 for this album. So I didn't buy it at first. However, a friend was gracious enough to loan me a copy. And upon listening, I am once again impressed by June of '44's willingness to expand and explore new territory. I don't care what you think...it may not be their best, but this is a good album.



"Wear Two Eyes (Boom)" rethinks the terrible "Boom" from The Anatomy of Sharks EP, and actually gives it direction. "Escape of the Levitational Trapeze Artist" succeeds in the driving drum n' bass capacity, and leads into the excellent "Cardiac Atlas". It's kind of funky. "Southeast of Boston" recalls the Coctails later work, that is if you mixed the Coctails with June of '44. "Five Bucks in my Pocket" fails to throw any kind of hook into the equation, and basically just streams along failing to catch ones attention.



Basically, this album is a far cry from June of '44's past. In stretching out like they have done, they were bound to lose some fans. Upon continued listen, though, June of '44 have solidified a waning one with this album. I'll be watching June of '44 for years to come, for they have proved consistent in one thing: not being comfortable."

Not What I Expected

Tyler K. Snel | US | 12/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album was a great and pleasant surprise the first time I listened to it. It has a much jazzier feel than I expected and several songs include blaring horns. Very cool album."