(LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia indie rock act Hello June recently released their long-awaited sophomore effort, Artifacts, which follows 2018’s Hello June.
The first offering from the group in five years, Artifacts presents an earthier, wiser, and perhaps more jaded Hello June, in a collection that sees chief creative force Sar Rudy writing with even greater transparency and a profound sense of self awareness.
Album opener “Sometimes” leans into a timeless writing device frequently utilized in classic country music songwriting; that of exploring multiple – and oftentimes disparate – through a single word or turn of phrase.
“Sometimes you want to cry, sometimes you just can’t,” Rudy utters – the first lyrics of the record exhibiting a resignation with which those of the Millennial generation have become all too familiar in recent years.
“Sometimes they’ll break your heart, sometimes you’ll break your own,” the lyrical explorations of the opening number continue, as a persistent backbeat pushes the proceedings along.
Back-to-back singles “Honey I Promise” and “Interstate” follow, further developing the emotional dimension of the record and providing indication that the journey through Artifacts is all but guaranteed to be one of substantial emotional depth.
Hello June’s “signature” sound has always taken cues from pop-infused alt-rock and 90s elements. But it’s also been informed, beyond the surface, by the country and roots music that seems to be in the blood of West Virginians by default.
That influence bleeds through a little more prevalently – particularly aesthetically speaking – on tracks like the “Napkin.” Such moments see closer-to-the-root explorations of the stylings pioneered by artists like Loretta Lynn and John Prine.
Emerging with a 6/8 waltz and nuanced pedal steel flourishes subtly altering the color of the proceedings in real time, “Napkin” is sonically and lyrically haunting, with its atmospheric melodies and lyrical depictions of literal spirits. Overdriven electric guitars kick in during the track’s bridge, emphasizing and building upon the already palpable tension inherent within the tune.
“I’m just another alibi, I’m the one in your dreams. I’m the ghost down the hall, the love of your life; But I’m nothing at all,” Rudy asserts, in what is a brilliantly executed – if emotionally incapacitating – expression of frustration and loss that comes across all too believable.
The dynamics are kicked back into high gear with “Faded Blue” and “23,” both of which feel deftly informed by Hello June’s affinity for alternative rock.
“23” in particular is a track that sits satisfyingly alongside its Artifacts counterparts while presenting as though it wouldn’t have felt out of place on the act’s self-titled 2018 debut. “No Easy Answer” also effectively fits this particular sonic mold.
A dense and atmospheric departure, “Soft Love” incorporates subtle electronic elements alongside roots-based instrumentation to establish an evocative contrast which works well to convey the narrative of the number.
Rather than show signs of fatigue in its final moments, Artifacts adds some distinctively interesting pieces to the puzzle with its final handful of tunes. “The Moon” is sparse with primarily acoustic instrumentation that, coincidentally enough, harkens back to frequent collaborator Annie Neely’s approach on LP, Big Old Moon. “California,” meanwhile, flips the script altogether.
Incorporating some of the synth-based, electronic elements heard previously throughout the collection, “California” turns up the heat roughly a minute into its runtime with raucous rhythm guitars and dynamic drumming.
Hello June’s most subversive, yet decidedly on-brand, hat trick is saved for last, however. Artifacts closes with a cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Though the ode to Appalachia could be unrecognizable to the undiscerning listener in the context in which it is presented here.
Walls of sonic color constitute the backdrop for the interpretation which is anchored by the sparse plucking of guitar notes and accentuated by elegant steel guitar passages which convey a deep sense of longing.
Artifacts sees Sar Rudy masterfully continuing to define the sound of Hello June, opening up layers of emotional brevity and building upon already-established elements while maintaining and elaborating upon the lyrical and sonic elements which made the group so engaging to begin with.
Artifacts is currently available to stream and physical copies, as well as additional information on Hello June shows, merchandise, and more can be found at the Hello June website.
