Juned
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Ethereal/crunchy alternative rock
Status:
Broke up shortly after the release of their second album, Every Night For You (1996).
See also:
Wikipedia's entry on JunedThe Ectophiles' Guide entry for My Diva, a band Claudia Groom was in before Juned
Comparisons:
Kittywinder. (Neile)They sort of remind me of early Pale Saints (circa The Comforts of Madness). (dbucak@netaxs.com)
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Juned formed from members of Seattle bands, Kill Sybill and My Diva. Mixing hints of Seattle grungerock with ethereal guitar and vocals, Juned travelled where few other bands did. (The only other band I've heard that sounded remotely like them were Kittywinder, who broke up at almost the same time.) Not so punk they'd only appeal to alternarockers, and almost melodic enough for the mainstream, they are also talented instrumentalists with catchy flavours to their playing. I loved their blend of sound, and it was plenty gritty and melodic enough both for me. Their second album, Every Night For You, which stresses their melodic side just a little more than their first, is a wonderful album and should have garnered them a wider audience had they stuck together long enough to reap the rewards. They should have had a bright future in the wider world they were poised to reach. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Every Night For You
Recordings:
- Juned (1994)
- Every Night For You (1996)
Juned
Release info:
1994—Subpop's Up Records—up007
Availability:
Wide in U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended if you like driving alternative rock
Group members:
Dale Balenseifen—vocals & guitar
Claudia Groom—guitar & vocals
Leslie Hardy—bass
Lenny Rennalls—drums & vocals
Guest artists:
Nalini D.D. Cheriel—drums
Mike Johnson—octave guitar
Produced by:
Phil Ek & Mike Johnson
Comments:
This album seems far more mainstream alternarock than their later album (though other people disagree with me). Driving rock overlaid with underdeveloped yet effective vocals. (Neile)
Every Night For You
Release info:
1996—Subpop's Up Records—up024
Availability:
Wide in U.S. in stores that carry independent releases
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for lovers of alternative rock
Group members:
Dale Balenseifen—vocals, guitars, tambourine
Claudia Groom—vocals, guitars
Leslie Johnson—bass, backing vocals
Lenny Rennalls—drums, vocals, organ, glasses
Guest artists:
Mike Johnson—acoustic and electric guitar
Evendur Kang—violin
Jen Charowhas—violin
Brent Arnold—cello
Comments:
Just when this group came out with a breakthrough album they broke up. This album is wonderful—melodic, strange, individual. This is a wonderful disc. I don't care as much for their first album that just didn't catch me, but this album is much more like the My Diva EP (Claudia Groom used to be in My Diva). It's still mostly in the alternative vein, but this time more ethereal and melodic. Still heavy moments. Overall a wonderful album that I highly recommend for those interested in alternative and crunchy-ethereal music. (Neile)A great ecto discovery. Forceful layered guitar based music with a lot of effects applied. The music grabs you by the lapels and pulls you inside. (dbucak@netaxs.com)
