Boston has long been known as a breeding ground for renowned political dissidents as well as mind-expanding sonic adventurists. Carrying in that tradition is Junius–a rainy, Brit-inflected supernova of gigantic guitars, entrancing lights, and erudite...Boston has long been known as a breeding ground for renowned political dissidents as well as mind-expanding sonic adventurists. Carrying in that tradition is Junius–a rainy, Brit-inflected supernova of gigantic guitars, entrancing lights, and erudite lyrics, named after the pseudonym of an enigmatic late 18th century political critic.
The New England coast was first illuminated by Junius’ sonic declarations in 2004. Drawing upon influences as diverse as Failure, Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate, and The Cure, Junius electrified rapt audiences with the spellbinding walls of dreamy guitars and alluring lights that have continued to define the band’s signature aesthetic. Together with fellow Bostonians, Seneca and Constants, they formed the core of the Radar Recordings collective—a community of self-funded progressive artists founded in 2002.
Shortly after releasing their first EP on Radar, the Post Wave pioneers began a relentless touring regimen of multiple headlining and co-headlining North American tours to fan the flames of an already relatively blazing press. Of the EP, Disclosure Magazine wrote, "One of the most engaging dark rock albums to come out since Joy Division last graced a stage." Junius played over 200 shows in 2005 alone, and spent nearly 9 months on the road that year.
The songs which make up Junius’s self-titled album (Radar / S.A.F. Records) were recorded by Will Benoit (of Constants), and mastered by Nick Zampiello (Isis, Converge, Pelican, Cave In). Hailed as a “darkly lush epic” by Alternative Press and “genius” by The Big Takeover, Junius’ work is borne of experiments in isolation and ascetism, including month-long stints in remote places including a storage facility in Texas, a farmhouse in Vermont, a cabin in Pennsylvania, and a small room in the swamps of Louisiana. It’s this austere approach that adds a weighty foundation of authenticity to the members of Junius as credible artists. Themes of forbidden knowledge, supernatural and extra-terrestrial phenomena, and religious mythology permeate singer Joseph E. Martinez’s esoteric lyrics, while their music continues to push musical boundaries.
2008 finds Junius as tireless as ever, touring on their eponymous full-length, new 7 inch (Radar / Anchorless Records), and completing their new album, entitled The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist. The forthcoming record (co-produced and engineered by Tom Syrowski and Kevin Mills – AFI, The Bravery, Weezer), is based on the life of controversial scholar Immanuel Velikovksy. Martinez, along with illustrator Matt Gauck, will also be releasing an accompanying graphic novel for the record. Critical acclaim and scores of “Most Anticipated Album” nominations have all but catapulted Junius to the forefront of the music world’s sight line. With this self-titled release, as well as the impending Martyrdom of a Catastrophist, the specter of the Junius enigma will loom heavier in the public’s mind than ever before.
