Disco de Death in June: “The Rule Of Thirds”

I loved this album! I have been a fan of DIJ for about 2 years now since I first discovered them. When I first heard this album I was not sure if i would like it, but bought it anyway being the loyal fan that I am. Lyrically I liked it a lot for the words can be interpreted from many angles depending on the listener. The music is simple and folkish and lulls the listener while keeping his concentration with voices that pop in and out of the tracks. This album is not for everyone however, for those who dislike simple repetitive guitar I would not recommend it.

There's nothing terribly groundbreaking here, but I wasn't really expecting that. If you enjoy "

," "

" and DIJ's other folk style albums, you'll most certainly enjoy this one as well. The sound and style follow the same path as those past accomplishments - simple, yet atmospheric acoustic strumming with Douglas' distinct vocals and outlandish lyrics. As always, there isn't a whole lot of variety here so don't be surprised by that. If you're a longtime fan you probably know what to expect. In fact, tracks 2 and 4 sound almost identical, you get a déjà vu feeling when track 4 starts because it feels like you just heard it. Oh well, I can honestly just shrug that off and not fret over it.

My favorite track is "Jesus, Junk and the Jurisdiction." You know what, I don't care what he might be rambling on about, I love the melody and the "Ba, ba ba ba" in this track.

My review may seem like I don't like the album. Really, I do like it. I just know them and know what I should expect. The material is just different enough to be refreshing to me - I really love their older folk albums, and I haven't bought a new DIJ album in 5 years.

Also, I want to mention that if you're interested in/new to the band, I definitely wouldn't start with this album - go with "But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter," or "

" if you're interested in their industrial side.

I think this release is probably the best of 2008. With the whole Neo Folk scene kind of losing ground in the midst of the election?.... Douglas Pierce shows why he is the Father of a genre greatly in need of more of his albums re-released. Great Lyrics and Great melody!!! This is a must have alum!!!

Talk about blowing your own trumpet. You'll be getting a rasberry back though. The rule of thirds must dictate that when you get to said year, you come back with an idea in your head. "Stripped bare....and one last toast, this new album captures the true essence of Death In June", appears to be euphemism for, "I've no band, no money and if it ain't broke, don't fix it anyway." On the first striking of those over-familiar cords, my eyes glazed over.

In terms of content, it is comforting to know that even a fat Goth can have a mid-life crisis like the rest of us mere-mortals. Unfortunately, comfort is not what is required when you're already battling to stay awake to kiddult nursery rhymes.

What I liked about this guy is his amazing keyboard work and zany (not to mention unsettling) ideas. Seems a long time ago now. I was going to suggest hanging up your mask, but judging by the back sleeve, you've already beaten me to it.