fuguers cove - Knights of June

fuguers cove

knights of june 
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Influenced by early Beck and Robert Pollard, Justin Bendell started his lo-fi solo effort entitled fuguers cove. Over the years he released some music, quit music altogether and then went back into it. He recently released a full-length fourteen song EP entitled Knights of June. The music at its most basic is raw garage rock. It's a fun album with some certified catchy tunes that can draw comparisons to The Stooges and Guided By Voices. I wish the production/recording quality was a bit better but for the most part he is able to get away with it because of the vibe, energy and style.

Not every song has a punk/garage three-chord type of structure. He mixes in some well fitting experimental songs that fit in well with the other styles. Although there are fourteen songs the album goes by quick since the songs range from one minute to about three. 

He starts off with a messy smudge of white noise entitled "Stars In the Cave." It's really a good song if you can get past production. He has a great voice that is immediate, a bit sloppy and unfiltered. "Mesa" is experimental and a bit folky. I can hear the early one-foot in the grave era influence here.

One of the clear highlights is the title track "Knights of June." It's an infectious song that reminded me of old English punk bands like The Buzzcocks and Sex Pistols. The rustic, psychedelic folk on songs like "Ptarmigan Scores" and "Tolleson" is scattered between the garage rock as the album progresses.

Knights of June is far from perfect but is a gem of lo-if punk album that isn't trying to be anything it's not. Good stuff - check this out.

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