Amen Dunes
Death Jokes
Sub Pop Records [2024]
Album Overview: Damon McMahon, known as Amen Dunes, decided to break away from his established musical style as he approached his seventh album, Death Jokes, in 2019. He sought to become an outsider to his own history, exploring new musical territories and themes. He succeeds in his goal, as Death Jokes marks a significant departure from Amen Dunes’ previous discography. Moving away from the folk-blues roots that has characterized much of his earlier work, McMahon cruises headfirst into uncharted musical territory with this album. Embracing a newfound passion for piano and electronic music, the result is an album that defies easy categorization, weaving together a different array of sounds and influences. Overall, Death Jokes represents a an ambitious step forward for Amen Dunes but for me does not connect as much as his last two albums. Freedom (2018) especially was going to be hard to top as it landed at #4 in our Top 50 for the year. Even with the passing of six years the different direction makes some sense as McMahon’s willingness to push the boundaries should be applauded and not deliver the same format here. I do think though this album struggles some in its transitions especially with several of its shorter songs that have more of an interlude feel to them. With that said, Death Jokes is much more of a grower than previous efforts and brings songs together from all different angles which sometimes does make you want more of a finish to these tracks but maybe that is the point.
Musical Style: A departure from Amen Dunes’ usual folk-blues blend, Death Jokes ventures into ambitious electronic territory. It features a diverse range of sounds, samples, and influences, including elements of techno and rap, creating a haunting and immersive sonic landscape.
Evolution of Sound: McMahon’s exploration of piano and electronic music marks a notable evolution in Amen Dunes’ sound. The album incorporates intricate arrangements, drum machines, and a collage of samples sourced from various places, showcasing McMahon’s willingness to embrace new sonic possibilities.
Artists with Similar Fire: While Amen Dunes’ previous work may have drawn comparisons to folk and blues artists, Death Jokes aligns more with experimental electronic acts that blend genres and incorporate diverse influences. Artists like Fever Ray and Tirzah & Dean Blunt may share similarities in terms of sonic experimentation and thematic depth. You might even capture a little Thom Yorke vibe at times here as well. Vocally, McMahon still sounds similar to Adam Granduciel (War On Drugs).
Pivotal Tracks: “Round the World” stands out as a prophetic track that captures the eerie atmosphere of the pandemic era, with haunting vocals and ghostly instrumentation. The track hits at the end of the record and passes the 9 minute mark which gives Amen Dunes lots of space to experiment within one song. This is a track that really works. “I Don’t Mind” is another pivotal track, featuring a diverse array of sounds and samples that mirror the chaotic state of the world during its creation. It also is a song that is probably one of most catchiest tracks on the record. “Rugby Child” is another song on the album that brings many new elements to Amen Dunes but its foot tapping beats and intensity is memorable.
Lyrical Strength: Death Jokes‘ lyrics cover themes of societal critique, spiritual reflection, and personal trauma. Tracks like “Exodus” and “Mary Anne” offer insights into the human condition, while “Purple Land” explores the fragility of youth and the passage of time. The album’s lyrical depth and emotional resonance contribute to its replay strength.
AMEN DUNES REVIEW HISTORY
Freedom (2018) / Love (2014)
AMEN DUNES LINKS
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Sub Pop Records
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