Artist: Death in June Album: The World That Summer

Year: 1986
Duration: 54:14

The World That Summer: A Critical Review of Death in June's Album

History of the Band: Death in June's music can be classified into two distinct time periods. The first era of the band's career was marked by their punk rock sound, which lasted from 1977 to 1983. In that period, the band released four albums and became famous in the underground music scene. In 1983, the band shifted towards neofolk, a genre that they have been associated with ever since. The World That Summer came out in 1986, at the height of the band's neofolk era.

Genre of the Album: The World That Summer is a neofolk album that features a diverse range of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, bass, synthesizers, drums, and even bagpipes. The sound on the album is sparse and minimalistic, with the emphasis on acoustic sounds. The album's lyrical content is cryptic and often obscure, with themes centered around personal experiences, mythology, and spirituality.

Best Songs on the Album: The World That Summer is a cohesive album, and every song plays an important role in the overall experience. That being said, several tracks stand out. He's Disabled is a haunting ballad that features a minimalistic guitar riff and a sparse drum beat. The track To Drown a Rose is perhaps the band's most famous song ever. It features a catchy melody and poignant lyrics that explore the nature of beauty and decay. Lastly, The Calling (Mk II) is an experimental track that combines the sound of bagpipes with a distorted drum machine and Pearce's menacing vocals.

Innovation on the Album: The World That Summer marks a shift towards a more experimental direction for Death in June. While the neofolk sound is prominent on the album, the band experiments with various instruments and soundscapes throughout the record. For example, Torture by Roses features a spoken-word poem recited over a dissonant guitar riff, while Ku Ku Ku features a manic drum beat and heavily distorted vocals.

Album Critic: The World That Summer is a masterful album that showcases Death in June's versatility and creativity. However, the band's controversial associations have always cast a shadow over their music. Some listeners argue that the band's message is problematic and rooted in far-right ideology. That being said, others believe that the band's dark and cryptic lyrics are works of art that should be appreciated on their own merit.

The World That Summer is a landmark album in Death in June's discography. It's an album that perfectly captures the band's unique sound and ethos. While the band's associations and messages are certainly debatable, there's no denying that the music on the album is haunting, beautiful, and deeply moving. The World That Summer is a must-listen for fans of neofolk and post-punk, and a great starting point for anyone interested in exploring Death in June's music.