Taking the mundane spirit of their name as a manifesto, Crystal Palace based two piece JOHN (both members aptly named John) offer a deadpan approach that has become the recognisable trait of their live performance, with an almost mechanical solidity rare for only two bodies. Alongside the tight rhythmic synchronisation of
guitar and drums, introspective lyrics suggest that literature and spoken word are just as important influences as the Punk, Noise and Rock genres they might comfortablyfit into.
This balance between content and volume has lead them on to stages withbands such IDLES, Mclusky and METZ, as well gathering support from BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and Seattle’s KEXP. If you were in need of anymore persuasion, 2017’s debut God Speed In The National Limit sets the tone, with 2019’s Out Here On The Fringes cementing their reputation as a unique live force. ‘In this post-truth world where alternative facts get squeezed out via the distorted prism of social media, the simplicity of a band like JOHN makes for a refreshing
tonic’ Loud and Quiet.
