JUNE "Stripteaser"/"The Long Dance" (Friction)

Having just moved to Chapel Hill, I've got some days ahead of me before I really have what others might considered a credible knowledge of the music scene, but as I recently realized, being an initiate can work in one's favor. Carrie asked me to review June's new 7" because, "everyone else is like buddies with the band." So here's an objective opinion, read it quick because it can't last long. The chorus of "Stripteaser" is a rollicking climax of churning guitars and Kat Cook's bewitching vocals. Tempo changes and multifaceted song structures make both songs memorable, and vocals are nicely juxtaposed with sometimes lazy, sometimes tempestuous guitars. Cook's voice is the most alluring and distinctive asset of the band; it would be interesting to hear her push it to more dramatic extremes. (What's all the more enchanting is her speaking voice, straight outta the verdant hills.) June's pleasant college rock sounds soothingly familiar, even if you're new in town. (Susannah Felts)