Lipstick and Furs: A Haunting New Chapter for Flowers for Juno
- Lee (Review Zoo)
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Today we’re checking out the brand new single, Lipstick and Furs, by the gothic rock and ethereal darkwave band Flowers for Juno. This marks FFJ’s first release since the Bacchanalia Coppélia EP back in January.
Flowers for Juno always delivers, so expectations are naturally high for this new offering, which comes in at five minutes and thirty seconds.
Lipstick and Furs opens with a bright, almost pastoral soundscape of birdsong and gently rising harp, creating an atmospheric and uplifting introduction. When Benjo’s vocals enter, they immediately add a fresh dimension to the band’s sound and move the track forward with purpose. The approach at the beginning feels more traditional, showcasing his flexibility as both a vocalist and songwriter. There’s experimentation here, but it still retains the unmistakable Flowers for Juno identity.
The vocal sits delicately above the piano in the mix, carrying a strong emotional weight while introducing a subtle darkness beneath the surface. At this point, the song could easily evolve into a full ballad, but instead it pauses, reaching a crossroads where it feels like it could head in multiple directions.
The uncertainty resolves as the synths and drums arrive, injecting that classic Flowers for Juno energy. The upbeat percussion combined with a beautifully used synth hook creates space and anticipation before the vocals return. Benjo has a clear ability to blend varied influences and experimentation while keeping everything grounded in the band’s signature sound, which makes the track feel cohesive despite its dynamic shifts.
The 80s-inspired aesthetic is particularly moreish here. Rather than feeling nostalgic for its own sake, it’s revitalised with a modern edge that keeps the sound current. The haunting synth textures almost function as a second narrator, telling their own story beneath the vocal line, while an eerie undertone provides the foundation for the lyrical narrative.
The “woah oh oh oh” vocal refrain acts as an effective anchor point throughout the song. It’s a clever hook — memorable and emotive without drifting into overt commercial territory.
Midway through, the track leans into a slightly psychedelic atmosphere that mirrors the visual aesthetic associated with the release. As Benjo sings “You’re so far from me, a fantasy, a fantasy,” the music develops a maritime sense of motion, like being carried back and forth on waves. It’s an immersive sonic movement rather than a literal one, which adds to the dreamlike quality.
From there, Lipstick and Furs transitions into a synth-led passage where the instrumentation takes centre stage. The mood shifts toward something almost cinematic, with hints of horror soundtrack ambience as echoing samples linger in the background. Everything feels like it’s descending into the unknown before the drums return and begin to rebuild momentum. That unpredictability is refreshing, especially at a time when much contemporary music can feel formulaic.
The familiar refrain returns alongside a brighter, bell-like synth that lifts the track back toward its earlier emotional peak. Around the four-minute mark, a new synth motif appears that carries a strong sense of nostalgia — reminiscent of the kind of musical hooks used in pivotal film moments. It feels weighty, organic, and emotionally resonant, evoking a time when music was deeply tied to identity and memory.
The way this line subtly rises toward the end adds a layer of mystery, very much in keeping with Flowers for Juno’s tendency to avoid predictable resolutions. The closing pitch bends introduce an unsettling tension that perfectly complements the darker tone of the piece.
Overall, this is another excellent release from Flowers for Juno. The song structure resists conventional pathways, and the layered production enhances its emotional dynamics throughout. Lipstick and Furs stands as a confident, atmospheric progression for the band while still delivering the elements longtime listeners will recognise and appreciate.
Below, Message to Lana, from the Bacchanalia Coppélia EP
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