Album review: Austin act Sun June released hypnotic Bad Dream Jaguar October 20

Austin act, Sun June’s third album, “Bad Dream Jaguar,” released on October 20 marks a captivating addition to their discography. True to Sun June’s signature style, the album hypnotizes you from the start.  Coming full circle with their previous releases, Years (2018) and Somewhere (2021), Bad Dream Jaguar serves as a sort of trilogy. This third studio effort is being released on Boston’s Run For Cover Records label in partnership with Austin imprint, Keeled Scales. 

The indie-pop band’s collaboration with producer Dan Duszynski is evident, resonating in the overall atmosphere of the recording. The partnership with Duszynski has undoubtedly contributed to the album’s immersive sound. Sun June continues to evolve, crafting an experience that not only maintains their distinctive charm but also showcases a heightened level of musicianship. “Bad Dream Jaguar” stands as a testament to Sun June’s artistic progression and their ability to mesmerize audiences from the first notes.

Opening track, “Eager,” immediately captures this sense of dreamy sadness  and wit. The track slowly builds with haunting synth, taken over by a rhythm duo of deep bass and a chilling beat. An eerie discontent grows as the synth drags its darkness into the background of the track. Colwell’s vocals convey a deep longing heightened by vivid, lyrical imagery born out of the challenges posed by time and distance.

“If you had one last cigarette Would you light it up, give me some?
It’s too easy to fall in love, It’s too easy to wear it off”

“16 Riders” arrives in classic Sun June style, establishing the seamless production that characterizes the album. “Mixed Bag” takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster within the framework of a unmmistakebly Sun June tune. Delving into the complexities of a relationship, the song explores the highs and lows inherent in knowing someone intimately, eliminating ambiguity and guesswork. The lyrics paint a picture of the emotional landscape. Expressions of frustration and deft highlighting of shared human emotions add depth to the song, creating a relatable experience for the listener.

“It’s a mixed bag, I was cursing out the season,
You were searching for a reason to be mad,
Babe, I got plenty of them.” 

The piano introduction, along with Colwell’s sympathetic lyrics:

“I was young, it’s how it was and how it ended,
And I could tell just how it felt by how you said it,
With the moon ahead and the stars above me.”

“Moon Ahead” suggests a theme of deep-seated memories present on previous albums. This becomes more apparent with the track, “Ambitions” introduction featuring quirky synthesizers, the record’s production style sets it apart from Sun June’s previous albums. Their approach in the studio continues to evolve to highlight the group’s musical strengths.

The lead single “Easy Violence”, is a powerful composition from the beginning, a deep drowning bass and a driving yet smooth beat, enveloped by Colwell’s seductive vocals. The song swells into an orchestral wall of sound. The track is one of our favorites off of the album as the lyrics evoke memories of similar wild nights nearly every music fan in Austin can identify with.

“And I was drunk, staying out too late at the White Horse,
Made a couple bad choices,
Somehow I made it to the other side of town, blacked out,
Made it to the morning, made it to the morning.”

Colwell’s musical influences are apparent in lyrics or titles of songs. “John Prine” demonstrates her story telling chops, relating life experience into her reality. “Sage”describes a longing for a normalcy, a clarity that makes life a bit more straightforward, like when we were younger.

“I’ve been burning sage,
Almost every night, just to try it,
I go back to the house that I grew up in,
When it’s late, just to cry”

“Washington Square” stands out as an indie-pop track on the album. The song’s bridge smoothly transitions into a dreamy state before returning to reality.

As a fan of Sun June, the best part of listening to their music is that you just can’t seem to get enough. Thus the song, “Get Enough” evokes a sense of unrealistic expectation, for things that may never come to pass. The chaotic ending of the track leaves the listener grasping for the calm coming with the next song.

It’s admirable when bands can be candid and even shocking with lyrics, hiding clues it in plain sight. “Texas” fits this idea of strong words and sarcastic wit in a song.

“Yeah, how am I supposed to fuckin’ give you up?
You’re piece of fuckin’ shit.”

As the album comes to a close, “Lightning” wraps up the theme of the album. It actually serves as a reminder that most good albums are meant to be played from start to finish. Bad Dream Jaguar certainly falls into that category.

This record was produced by Sun June and Dan Duszynski, with recording handled by Duszynski, Alli Rogers, and Danny Reisch. Mixing  was executed by Duszynski, and mastering by Tess Greenham. Laura Cowell (vocals, guitar, keys), Stephen Salisbury (guitar, vocals), Santiago Dietche (guitar, vocals), Michael Bain (lead guitar), Sarah Schultz (drums), and Justin Harris (bass). Additional contributing musicians include Justin Morris (pedal steel), Dan Duszynski (guitars, synths), Marlon Hedrick (trumpet), and Alexis Marsh (woodwinds).

Sun June 2024 tour dates:

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