Amen Dunes, the acclaimed project of Damon McMahon, has released its swan song, Death Jokes II. The album, out now via Sub Pop, is a remix and reimagining of May 2024’s Death Jokes, marking the conclusion of an 18-year journey that began with 2006’s D.I.A.
Described as “a daring turn in a different direction” by NPR Music and “a testament to McMahon’s sheer artistic brilliance” by Stereogum, the original Death Jokes showcased McMahon’s shift into electronic music, with his signature emotional depth. Now, Death Jokes II strips the songs back to their core with remixes helmed by Craig Silvey, along with unheard contributions from Panoram, Kwake Bass (Dean Blunt, MF DOOM), Christoffer Berg (Fever Ray), and Robbie Lee.
Recorded across multiple sessions over several years, including at East West Studios in Los Angeles, Death Jokes saw collaborations with Money Mark (Beastie Boys), Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan), and Carla Azar (Autolux). In revisiting this material, Death Jokes II offers a more intimate exploration of the tracks, serving as both a celebration of the project’s legacy and a poignant farewell.
The album’s tracklist includes standout reworkings such as ‘Ian (Sunriser)’, ‘What I Want (Night Driver)’, and ‘Round the World (Down South)’. The haunting closing track, ‘Ian (Goodbye)’, encapsulates the reflective tone of this final chapter.
Amen Dunes’ legacy as a genre-defying force in the indie and experimental music scenes is undeniable. Over seven albums and two EPs, McMahon has crafted a body of work that is both confounding and brilliant, with Death Jokes II cementing his status as a fearless artist who bows out on his own terms.
Stream Death Jokes II now and bid farewell to a project that has pushed the boundaries of sound for nearly two decades.
Death Jokes II Tracklist:
- Ian (Sunriser)
- What I Want (Night Driver)
- Exodus (Do It)
- Rugby Child (300 Miles Per Hour)
- Purple Land (In The Springs)
- Mary Anne (Senigallia)
- Italy Pop Punk
- I Don’t Mind (Q Loop)
- Round the World (Down South)
- Ian (Goodbye)
Editors’ Picks
- ‘Something extraordinary happened that night – the music felt like it was coming through the roof.’ | Spiritualized interviewed
Jason Pierce reflects on 30 years of Pure Phase by Spiritualized, revisiting its dual-mix magic, and shares why recreating its energy today feels impossible. - ‘My darkest moments produce my best work.’ | Raven Numan interviewed
Gothic-pop artist Raven Numan discusses her inspirations, personal challenges with BPD and OCD, and how her darkest moments shape her most powerful music. - ★★★★★ Songs Of A Lost World review | A challenging but incredibly rewarding trip with The Cure
Robert Smith and The Cure return with Songs of a Lost World, a deeply moving record that immerses listeners in timeless themes of love, loss, and defiance. - ‘Everyone’s looking over their shoulder, worrying about being judged, but being young should be about making mistakes.’ Bilk’s Sol Abrahams interviewed
Bilk’s Sol Abrahams talks about the pressures of modern youth, social media’s influence, and how Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll reflects a generation on the edge.
The UK’s best rap-rock fusions: 8 artists redefining the sound of rebellion
Rock and rap are colliding in the UK like never before. These 8 artists are fusing the genres with fresh, experimental sounds. - ★★★★★ SABLE review | Bon Iver’s fear, regret, and the silence in between
On SABLE, Justin Vernon crafts an intimate portrait of vulnerability and redemption through Bon Iver’s signature minimalist style.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
- Amen Dunes
- Craig Silvey
- Damon McMahon
- Death Jokes II
- Experimental Music
- Final Album
- Indie Music
- New Releases
- Remix Album
- Sub Pop
