REVIEW: Flowers For Juno : BE MY BLOODY VALENTINE (EP)
Flowers for Juno have just released their debut EP “Be My
Bloody Valentine” (on Valentine’s Day)
Flowers for Juno are gothic rock / metal and formed in
Newcastle upon Tyne. Featuring artists Jack Wilson and Benjó James. The band
produce, mix and master their own songs and even developed the stunning
artwork. The EP consists of 6 tracks inclusive of a cover and a remix.
We open with an atmospheric introduction which sets the tone
for the EP well. “Dead Air” features a white noise rising in the background and
an old timey film countdown effect which perfectly crossfades with the 2nd
track intro: “Physical Culture”. The intro is voiced like a live music
presenter, introducing the EP to the listener – this is a very cool addition
which I haven’t heard before. The drums and guitars are heavy straight from the
get go and vocals are well performed. The lyrics are well written too in a
style similar to the music of Cradle of Filth. Overall, the first two tracks
are great as an opener. The mixing and mastering is also incredibly well done –
it is of a very high standard with so much attention to details.
Track 3, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is a cover of the
well-known Elvis Presley song of the same title. It is the 2nd shortest
track on the EP. We are brought into an ambient electronic world for this track
with hints of rock influence sprinkled in it. I think of “Hurt” by Nine Inch
Nails when listening to this. Although the track isn’t long, it is a good
intermission almost before we hop back into the heavy hitting drums on track 4:
“It’s Not My Fault”.
Track 4 was originally released as a single prior to the EP
release alongside “Physical Culture”. The vocals are layered in an interesting
way through this track with a healthy amount of delay or echo (also, beautiful
harmonies). I love the vocals and the love and relationships theme throughout
which perfectly fits the “Be My Bloody Valentine” theme of the EP. The
electronic drums are a nice touch and work well with the acoustic drums.
Towards the end of the track is a unique vocal sound which strange octave effects
on. “That’s all for tonight folks…” continues the live performance feel.
The 5th track on the EP has some beautiful sound
design in the background by Palazzo’s Monstrosity Coil (who also remixes
Physical Culture for the 6th track). This is another ambient feeling
track and almost like a conclusion to the story – reminiscent of the end of a
show adrenaline rush. The title for this track is, you guessed it, “Have you
ever seen a human heart? It looks like a fist, wrapped in blood”. It is an
unusual title however again, fits the bloody valentine feel.
Finally, we have the 6th track, a remix by
Palazzo’s Monstrosity Coil of the 2nd EP track “Physical Culture”.
The experimental ambience and atmosphere is distorting and disruptive to the
norm of music – but it’s brilliant. This track is not for everyone but it is
those who love this style truly understand the art of music.
The EP brings together thoughts of love and desire in an
existing relationship and one that cannot be obtained (or lost). Overall, the
EP represents more than love and relationships; the hardships, triumphs and
battles within love are also presented both visibly and hidden within the remix
and instrumental tracks.
I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this EP and look
forward to future work by the band. If you want to hear more from them and
listen to the EP yourself, find their pages right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVTrT3QEceQ
https://www.facebook.com/flowersforjuno
https://soundcloud.com/flowers-for-juno
https://www.instagram.com/flowersforjuno.ne/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/19NcQpUIKDWzzmMdeLMMeM
Also find the EP and the band on all major streaming platforms
(on Spotify, I would recommend setting a fade in and out to a couple of
seconds).
Overall Rating: 8/10
Thanks for reading and thank you to Flowers By Juno for allowing
me to review your EP (P.S. I love it). -Kole
Written by Kole Cook
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