Review | Goodbye June – Deep In The Trouble

Independent Release

In the past we reviewed the records ‘Magic Valley’ and ‘Community Inn’ from this rocking trio out of Nashville, Tennessee and yours truly was certainly impressed with the musical adventures of singer Landon Milbourn, guitarist Tyler Baker and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Qualkenbush. Their music was (and still is) based on variation, classic rock and lots of swagger and pure emotion. In 2022 they released their fourth album ‘See Where The Night’ goes. For a while the band was with Interscope Records who did not have a clue how to market this trio. When they signed for English label Earache, I had the hope that they would bring the band further forward. That most likely happened as the band toured with Rival Sons and had several tours in Europe as well but obviously that was not enough as their fifth album ‘Deep In The Trouble’ has been released by Goodbye June itself.

EMOTIONAL FAREWELL

In January 2024 Tyler Baker lost his father David after a gas explosion in their house. Brandon and Landon lost their uncle as these three guys are all cousins. This dreadful happening has made the band dig deep into their emotions and they have come up with an album that is full of personal influences. Take for instance ,,Pile Of Bones’’, a semi-acoustic track about the passing of Tyler’s father where the guitarist lets go of his feelings and emotions in a scorching guitar solo. The video clip of this track is filmed in the ruins of the house that had exploded. It is the bands emotional farewell to a loved family member. It shall not surprise you that this track is a highlight in more ways than one.

A MIXED BAG

The music of Goodbye June has always been a mixed bag and this album is not that much different. The band knows how to rock hard (opener ,,The Hard Way’’ speaks for itself while also ,,Riding Through’’ rocks away nicely) but there are lots of more slightly ’sophisticated’ tunes there as well. ,,Angel’’ is a track that especially with Landon’s vocal interpretation could have been on a Greta Van Fleet-album. While ,,My Place’’ has a slight country rock flavour. It just goes to show that Goodbye June cannot really be pin pointed into one and particular style. In my opinion these style albums, offer the listener more longevity and more bang for their buck.  I mean, listen to the fast and furious rocker ,,Waller In The Mud’’. It is hard to believe that is the same band that can sound so sensitive and emotional on other tracks.

GOODBYE JUNE – THE CONCLUSION

In the past I found that albums where the band cannot be pigeonholed most of the time have that little extra and ‘Deep In The Trouble’ is a prime example. It is a jumpy and entertaining affair, where deep emotions and good old hard rocking go hand in hand. Yes, the album needs a little time to do its magic but if you have an open mind in music I am (almost) convinced that Goodbye June will be an asset to your collection. These boys have been at it for a decade or so now, it is about time for some real recognition. Because it is a DIY album you can support the band by ordering it through their website: www.GoodbyeJune.com. Just do it.