ALBUM REVIEW: DE’WAYNE - JUNE (30/07/25)
DE’WAYNE stands out as a fearless trailblazer in rock, seamlessly blending genres with raw authenticity to redefine what it means to be an alternative artist in today’s music scene. Born in Houston in 1995 and now based in California, he draws from a wide musical palette - rooted in soul and hip hop but heavily influenced by rock, grunge, and icons like Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz and Nirvana. His sound is a bold fusion of punk, pop, rap, gospel, and alternative rock that refuses to be confined to any one category.
His latest album, june (out July 30 via Fearless Records), kicks off with ‘lady lady,’ a soulful rock anthem driven by gritty guitars and emotional depth. The track builds to a powerful climax featuring a striking guitar solo that sets the tone for the record’s dynamic range - a perfect opener. The title track ‘june’ follows, a genre-defying anthem that blends funky vibes, groovy basslines, and a catchy chorus into a bold, head-bopping track. Celebrating divine femininity, radical vulnerability, and the fearless thrill of falling head over heels, it’s a vibrant and empowering song that refuses to be boxed in - equal parts feel-good and fearless.
The third track ‘i’ll be there’ is soulful, laced with more funk influences and a strong rock backbone, complete with a soaring guitar solo to close it out. It's a heartfelt anthem about unconditional support, delivering its message with grit and emotional weight. It’s DE’WAYNE laying it all out - promising support not just with words, but with groove, heart, and fire. The next track titled ‘take a picture’ is an electric slow-burner that’s full of soul, swagger, and charm. It has a smooth, confident feel that makes it perfect for a late-night vibe - cool, catchy, and effortlessly stylish.
The single ‘highway robbery’ ramps up the rock energy with electric guitar-driven riffs and bold attitude. Originally a love poem, it’s a personal and cherished track where DE’WAYNE affectionately describes how his partner “locked him in” with her love - consensually and with full devotion. Here the singer delivers classic rock punch wrapped in pure pop finesse. His cool falsetto draws you in during the verses, building to a chorus bursting with soaring harmonies and powerful vocals.
‘sundays’ makes a musical shift into a synth-heavy ballad where he explores his complicated yet strong relationship with his father, delivering raw emotion through heartfelt lyrics and atmospheric production. It’s introspective and incredibly honest - one of the most vulnerable moments on the record.
The following track ‘biological’ is an upbeat rock anthem with driving guitars that captures love so deep it feels instinctual and undeniable. It’s about surrendering to raw emotion, embracing connections that are wired into us beyond logic. Loud, bold, and unapologetic in its emotion. Then there’s ‘forever,’ a melting pot of funk, soul, and alternative rock. The basslines groove, the vocals shine, and the whole track pulses with a retro energy that still feels totally current - another catchy, head-bopping tune.
Much of the album was shaped in collaboration with DE’WAYNE’s best friend Dylan Bauld (of flor), and songwriter Brandon Colbein. Every track blends genres in a way that feels natural and refreshing, not forced. Both lyrically and sonically, this isn’t just a rock album; it’s a love album, one with guts, heart, and soul. It’s about love in all its forms - romantic, familial, self-love, and everything in between. There’s nothing surface-level here.
‘prize fight’ is a powerful rock track propelled by pounding drums and elevated by a gospel-like chorus featuring multiple harmonizing voices, creating an uplifting, anthemic energy. The next track ‘what does he really know’ starts gentle and introspective, with soft synth keys and bass highlighting DE’WAYNE’s impressive vocals, before building into an upbeat, catchy chorus that reflects on his younger self with warmth and positivity. When the chorus hits, the energy picks up with more guitars and an infectious rhythm that brings the song to life.
Closing the album, ‘Love Raider’ is a catchy, upbeat rock track with funk influences, originally a Spotify Singles release, that perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes of love in all its forms. It wraps up the album in a full-circle moment - love, joy, and rhythm all in one.
june is DE’WAYNE’s fearless exploration of genre and emotion, a bold, honest voice that cuts through. Blending rock, funk, and soul, he creates a sound that’s both fresh and deeply personal. The record celebrates love, vulnerability, and authenticity, pushing the boundaries of modern rock with raw honesty and style. In a music scene often stuck in clichés, DE’WAYNE stands out as a bold, original voice unafraid to take risks. june is a captivating journey that showcases his growth as an artist and promises exciting things ahead - a must-listen for anyone craving music with heart and edge.
june out 30 July via Fearless Records.
