Band Review :: June

Band Review :: June
Posted :: Feb 8, 2005 by Impact

On a chilly night in the end of January, I ventured to Detroit to see a line-up of high-energy bands at Saint Andrews Hall, some of the bands familiar, others new. Included were Sandbox Heroes, The Transfer, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Gym Class Heroes, and June, a band I was lucky enough to score an interview with. Since it was a Tuesday night, there weren't a ton of people there, and the atmosphere was kept casual the entire time.

Each of the bands put on a spectacular show. Sandbox Heroes pounded out a short set of pop-punk songs that they are known for. Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, a unique blend of high-pitched female vocals and quick guitar riffs. Somewhat reminiscent of earlier No Doubt. Gym Class Heroes, a rap-band sparked my interest as well. Not being one into the Rap/Hip-Hop scene at all, this was a big deal. The vocals were very much rap, but they were backed by a live guitarist, bassist and drummer who were each just as much a part of the band. Lyrics were more thought-provoking than the hip-hop and rap you normally hear hitting stereos in college, and one song in particular caught my attention. Available on Purevolume.com, a song called "Taxi-Driver" tells a story while incorporating the names of over 35 current bands. I highly suggest you take a quick listen and see how many you can pick out. The show was ended by another local band: The Transfer. I have seen The Transfer a few times before, and they always seem to make people move. A heavier rock band, they are becoming more and more popular in the Detroit area, which is apparent by the crowd of loyal followers they draw to home shows.

Now on to the main attraction of the article: June.

Stepping up to the plate with a confident air, June managed to put on quite an impressive show. Comprised of Tim Brennan (Vocals, Guitar), Mark Palacz (Guitar), AJ Brown (Bass, Backing Vocals), and Mark Sutor (Drums), June manages to fill a stage with a massive presence. Sharp guitar riffs, coupled with personally-inspired lyrics, June manages to keep your attention through their set easily. Although still a very new band (having only been around a few years), they have already managed to release a five song demo entitled "The June EP", and were recently signed to Victory Records. They have already started recording a full length album to be released under Victory due out in the near future. As most bands do, June has a few songs available for your streaming pleasure on Purevolume.

If not enough, after putting on a great show, the guys were more than willing to hang out in the crowd and entertain an interview. I spoke with Mark Sutor, who kept the interview casual and interesting, as if I was talking to any 20 year-old guy who just happened to be putting out records and touring the country. As you can easily imagine, the band was clearly excited about touring as well as being on Victory. The way the band came about reflects their entire style; they formed back in Chicago as their various other bands began to evaporate, and this low-key attitude is also apparent in their song-writing process. "It's very much a whole-band effort", Sutor said. With everyone's contrasting styles, songs may change drastically from start to finish to please everyone. Although their upcoming album has a more mature feel lyrically, focusing more on personal issues, Sutor claims the band is still trying to get across the same message through their music: "... We really love it, we're not a joke band, or doing it to make money, the issues are important to us, and we try to get that across in our music.". June is not one of those sell-out bands concerned just with making money, and that's clear by their solid shows and friendly demeanor.

A few other questions we couldn't exactly fit into paragraph form:
Q: What's in your CD player right now?
A: Anberlin

Q: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) for a day, who would it be?
A: Dave Grohl.

June has a bunch of shows in the coming month out on the west coast. If you're in the area, it might just be worth your $5 to go see a great punk show.

Obligatory Links:
Official June Website
Purevolume: June, Zolof, Gym Class Heroes, Sandbox Heroes, The Transfer (none available)

All pictures used in this article are property of their respective owners.
Co-written by Rachel Smith