Djunah (pronounced JUNE-uh) is readying their Ex Voto LP for release on November 1st via Triple Eye Industries. The Chicago duo is comprised of Donna Diane (ex-frontwoman of Beat Drun Juel) on vocals/guitar/ Moog synth, as well as Nick Smalkowski (Arctic Sleep and Fake Limbs) on drums. Ex Voto was recorded at God City Studio with Kurt Ballou from Converge, and the album was mastered by the venerable Bob Weston.
Listening to Djunah’s new lead single “Animal Kingdom” quickly reveals the kind of ferocious passion fueling this project. The track’s creative intent aside, though, this pair’s commitment to music is evident throughout their approach. For instance, Smalkowski is a drum-maker who handmade the stave kit he uses, and Diane’s ability to play her Moog synthesizer with her feet, while also playing guitar, is a sonic accomplishment that has to be seen to be believed. Combine that with Diane’s unflinching ability to tackle the most difficult issues surrounding gender identity, sexuality, and politics, and you have a picture of the potent aesthetics surrounding this project.
“Animal Kingdom” draws its’ inspiration from the 1932 film of the same name, with Diane’s guttural vocal performance channeling Myrna Loy’s role as a man-eating socialite. Djunah wastes no time dropping the lead anvil on this heavy cut, as Smalkowski’s titanic drumming surrounds everything in plumes of black smoke. Meanwhile, when not setting everything on fire vocally, Diane’s guitar work sends explosive pyrotechnics into the air like hot lava from a boiling cauldron.
