Valerie June – Bats, Signs, and Prophecies

      Joy emerges as the next step in embracing fear.

      Valerie June’s fourth studio album, ‘Owls, Omens And Oracles,’ serves as an expanded ritual, a fusion of prayer, declaration, and guidance. It captures the raw, intrinsic creative expression that arises when personal and collective pain must be transformed with the deepest remembrance of what unites us – spirit, the great mystery, and the power of love.

      With a passionate and expressive force that uplifts truth, June's approach to both soul and music is deeply infused with intent towards the sacred and the precious. Her earlier works, including ‘The Order Of Time’ and ‘The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers,’ awaken the magic and alchemy that permeate her creations. Through poetry and song, her music acts as a prayer, connecting to legacy, desire, as well as heritage, reclamation, and empowerment. Her voice serves as both a conduit to the winds and a grounding presence on the astral plane, inviting listeners into the sonic realm that celebrates the history of Black joy and its nurturing aspects.

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      Opening like the dawn, ‘Joy, Joy!’ immerses us in a realm of vibrant transformation with its textured, languid rhythms resonating with our hearts in a space of unbound freedom that connects every soul. Each piece is like a unique spell with June as a guardian – energetically crafting and reshaping narrative and symbolism through her vocal vibrations.

      Moreover, the album offers a delightful sonic experience; the ebb and flow of tempo, soaring guitars, vibrant horns, lullabies, and the comforting piano in ‘Trust The Path’ create a powerful reflection of the individual – the strength lies in being both fast and slow, nothing and everything. Her rhythm and ability to rest within the stories she narrates in each track invite moments of stillness and connection with one's inner world.

      “Going places only I can go. Meet you there, but where cannot say… trust the path, I’ll only point the way. Promise me you’ll venture towards the unknown, every step a new discovery shown.”

      I am left in awe and devotion to how she intricately weaves her words with a profound intention towards connection, humanity, and compassion. Much like a sermon, ‘Owls, Omens and Oracles’ serves as a gathering towards a new earth. With a voice that delves into the depths of history, June brings forth a luminosity in every note she delivers. She is a courageous reminder of the power that faith and joy possess throughout our earthly journey.

      Something primal, something ancestral is born and discovered within the freedom of this album. It resonates beyond mere sound, touching the very core of the collective heart. I am enchanted by the dynamic force with which she presents each song… spanning from spoken word to soulful currents to melancholic harmonies – she guides us on a spiritual journey. She sings to my grandmother, my mother, and myself – she acts as a bridge to an eternal sanctuary of homecoming, belonging, ancient wisdom, and fleeting healing.

      In this album and through June’s voice lies the sacred nature of the expansive truth that flows and interweaves among us in our shared humanity. Discover yourself in the spaces between the songs, immerse in the melodies, and find the part of your body that responds to her call.

      9/10

      Words: Rae Niwa