Indie Rock Duo Hello June Stream Self-Titled Debut LP

Today, Indie rock duo Hello June shared an early stream and track-by-track breakdown of their self-titled debut album with Atwood Magazine. The album was originally announced in June this year alongside the premiere of its first single "Mars" on NPR Music, who described it as, "a song worthy of national attention." Atwood Magazine offered glowing praise and rated the album a 9.1/10, praising Hello June for creating, "a sonic identity that refuses to be boxed into any single string of text." Hello June formed in the hills of Morgantown, WV after core members Sarah Rudy (guitar/vocals) and Whit Alexander (drums) met as tenants of a particularly communal apartment building. From there, the two have grown a substantial following thanks in part to their thrilling live performances.

Watch the video for "Candy Rain" here

Their debut six-song EP, Spruce, fittingly unfolds as an expression of self-discovery, where languid reflection is never far from catharsis. NPR hailed the EP for its mix of driving, indomitable hooks and ethereal, sustained tones, saying it "displays [Hello June's] blend of bright, blissful rock that shimmers, even throughout its darker moments." The EP's lead single "Dance" was featured in the March 2017 edition of NPR's Heavy Rotation series. In January 2018, Hello June was nominated by the Mountain Stage to NPR Music's first ever Slingshot initiative, a program where the NPR-affiliated stations highlight exceptional emerging bands and artists.

Watch the music video for "Mars" here

Out of this came Hello June's self-titled debut album, which delivers another slice of 90s nostalgia that manages to build on the stellar sound of its predecessor. The album's second single "Candy Rain," is powered by the band's signature new wave guitars paired with a propulsive beat to create a stunning end-of-summer anthem. Both singles were treated with music videos that were self-produced and directed by Rudy herself.

Read Hello June's track-by-track of their album exclusively on Atwood

The creative heart of the duo's music is built around Rudy's evocative songwriting and singular musical talent. She's as assertive as she is compassionate, qualities that can be heard all over her lovingly crafted, deftly narrated music. Rudy's hushed vocals endow her lyrics with an irresistible charm while her carefully crafted guitar work builds up single melodies and riffs into surging oceans of sound distortion similar to Madeline Kenny. Her use of guitar-generated atmospherics and lyrical intimacy are at the heart of many of Hello June's tracks, but most notably on the album's two closing tracks "Momma" and "Handshakes." Others, such as "Candy Rain" and "Stranger," exude that air of relaxed confidence reminiscent of early Tom Petty.

Hello June's debut album Hello June arrives September 28 and is available for pre-order. The duo will be performing with The Lone Bellow at Mountain Stage on Nov 11.

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