Dropping an EP on April Fool’s Day might suggest a prank, but Flowers for Juno are playing it entirely straight with their latest double-sided release, Live at Tyne Green Golf Club. Since their 2023 debut with ‘Physical Culture’, the duo, comprised of Benjó James and Jack Wilson, has carved out a niche within the UK's alternative scene by blending the shadows of gothic rock with the muscularity of grunge.
The band’s latest offering, released under the Bad Baboon label, strips away the studio sheen of February’s ‘Lipstick and Furs’ in favour of something far more visceral. Recorded at the curiously named 'Crack Den', the release captures a pair of performances that highlight the band's evolution from a studio project into a formidable live entity. The opening track, ‘It's Not My Fault’, is a driving piece of hard rock that feels like a nod to the decadence of 80s metal, though it is firmly anchored by James's brooding, melodic delivery. Wilson’s instrumentation here is particularly tight, providing a wall of sound that manages to be both heavy and surprisingly danceable.
While the band is often tagged with the 'gothic' label, there is a distinct grit here that leans more towards the Pacific Northwest than the Batcave. ‘Physical Culture’, the second track on the release, revisits their debut single but imbues it with a fresh, frantic energy. The synthesis of heavy basslines and retro synth textures creates an atmosphere reminiscent of She Wants Revenge, yet Flowers for Juno avoid becoming a mere homage act. The live setting allows the tracks to breathe, with the audible enthusiasm of the Hexham crowd adding a layer of authenticity that a booth recording simply cannot replicate.
It isn't a flawless capture; the DIY nature of the production means some of the finer keyboard nuances occasionally get buried under the weight of the guitars. However, this lack of over-sanitisation is exactly what makes the release compelling. It’s an honest snapshot of a band finding their feet on stage and leaning into their heavier instincts. James’s vocals remain the focal point, balancing emotional vulnerability with the power required to cut through Wilson’s aggressive arrangements. This release serves as a gritty bridge to whatever the duo has planned next.
Keep a close eye on their digital channels to see where this dark trajectory leads them. You can stream the new live tracks above via Spotify, and for more, be sure to follow Flowers For Juno on Instagram and Facebook.
