First off, let me get this out of the way: I have only recently discovered DIJ, though being a fan of Coil and Current 93.
I had heard the name
being bounced around (usually between two poles of opinion). I'll also
point
out that 'ambiguous' politics attributed to this band made me overtly
cautious. Still, I tried to approach the music with an open mind.
What can be said about Death In June? It is the elegant musical vehicle
of
one Douglas Pearce; a curious gent with not only a grim demeanour, but
also what
seems to be cruel wit and a sense of pantomime and pomp which leers in
a
distinctly Teutonic direction. Indeed, one wonders whether or not his
lust
for fascist uniform and imagery is merely a joke extended to and beyond
its
logical conclusion. Because this stuff is heavy with dramatic irony and
a
humour as black as deepest despair. Importantly though, Douglas is a
very
talented man, with a magnificent voice. His music ends up sounding as
an
entrancing and often very beautiful cross between Joy Division and Dead
Can
Dance. Musical opposites are united constantly. Beauty and cruelty do
walk
hand in hand, both thematically and in execution. For example, "To Drown A
Rose" is a vitriolic slice of misanthropy in the saccharine camouflage of a
lovely pop song. The title tracks of two of the strongest Death In June
albums- "But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter" and "Rose Clouds of Holocaust"- are elegiac fanfares at sunset, deep with melancholy. On "She
Said Destroy" however, an unseen line between being a military or a Pet
Shop Boys anthem is crossed.
Some may not ever take an interest in this band for various reasons, but
there is undoubtedly some wonderful stuff to be found here. The "Disc
Riminate" double CD compilation has been re-released recently, but I would
suggest that one goes straight for the albums proper. "But, What Ends When
the Symbols Shatter" and "Take Care and Control" are two elusive but
perfect masterpieces.
Rediscovering Death In June
- Written by: Brian Conniffe
- Parent Category: Opinions & Editorials
- Category: Deep Thoughts
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