JOHN TIMES TWO

I was first introduced to JOHN after they supported IDLES on their European tour, I then finally saw them live for the first time in Sheffield. They must've made a good impression because I then went on to see them a number of times supporting Heavy Lungs, supporting St Pierre Snake Invasion, and at two headline shows.

My band wych elm and I are now supporting them on a few of their UK headline shows (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stockton, Leeds, Manchester & Nottingham), which feels like a dream come true.

Today (Friday 8th October) is a monumental day in the world of JOHN. They have released their third album, Nocturnal Manouevres.

For anyone that is being introduced to JOHN for the first time through this post (unlikely, but we move), here's the description of the band from their Spotify:

Four arms, four legs, two heads, wood, metal and plastic. JOHN. It’s a cryptic and unsearchable band name but it serves an important manifesto. Not only is it logical – with the duo being comprised of John Newton (drums/lead vocals) and Johnny Healey (guitar/backing vocals) – but it’s deliberately mundane, a response to the sensationalism that was often promoted through rock music when JOHN began playing together in 2013. “It’s a bit like shooting yourself in the foot,” explains Newton, “but it helps remind you that the creative drive is what’s central to the project. The sensational collateral is just cladding that can easily become a hindrance to your intentions".

FFO: Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, TV Priest, St Pierre Snake Invasion, IDLES.

Their highly-anticipated third album was made 'Album of the Week' on Amazing Radio, even before its release, and the singles from the album made it to BBC 6 Music's A List. No pressure, then...

So, let's get into it, shall we?

The album begins with a gentle, quiet introduction, Return To Capital, preparing you for the fast and loud tracks to come. We then have one of the singles, Šibensko Powerhouse, which has a perfect transition from track one, and sets the mood for the rest of the album.

John's ferocious drumming and growling vocals, paired with Johnny's fast and catchy riffs, their sound is just so perfect.

We then have A Song for Those Who Speed in Built-up Areas, which is up against Sugar Horse's Shouting Judas at Bob Dylan for my song title of the year.

JOHN do not slow down with next tracks Haneke'd, Austere Isle and Jargoncutter. Austere Isle is probably the track with my favourite guitar part in. Very, almost, pretty? Never thought I would describe JOHN's music as pretty, but alas, here we are. I think Jargoncutter is the track I am most exited to see live. Listen to it and you will know why. Mosh pits galore.

I think the only down-side to touring with them is going to be the fact that my sensible brain is going to stop me from getting in the mosh pit every night. Maybe the last night of tour I will allow it...

Stadium of No also has an absolute corker of a guitar riff in. Love a big riff, me. They've done a music video for this one that has just come out, and it is wonderful. Watch it below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=rLqcfh5tJSY&fbclid=IwAR03-fHfY6t-6WM1SV-d3uNy3wQFnY7_24wVpL7PbIpS51BV92UoIwlFlEY

The next track, Power Out for the Kingdom, feels urgent, the intro feels like the song is closing in on you. JOHN have something to say, and they will make you listen. They reiterate this with the next track, Northwood Turret.

The closing track on the album was another of their singles, Non-essential Hymn. Coming in at six minutes and 33 seconds long, this track would be a great song to do the "This is Johnny on guitar, I am John on drums, and we are JOHN" to onstage, because this track just, if you didn't already realise after listening to this entire album, proves how truly good both Johns are at their instruments. The perfect end to the perfect album.

Well done JOHN.

Buy the album if you can, you won't regret it.

Bandcamp: https://johntimestwo.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal-manoeuvres

Rough Trade: https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/john-2cb138ea-f922-4e59-818d-c614eb7b25ab/nocturnal-manoeuvres?ffm=FFM_e4153fa5498325631782dd15094fbbeb

Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3C42zH9CNlUZmtgvueNaxe?si=bgmsd_vTSu68zDRgLEl0kg&dl_branch=1

Get tickets for their tour here: https://linktr.ee/JOHN_TIMESTWO_BAND?fbclid=IwAR3W8rIn_vGrGgsqEhxRYocR-jeoQSgGpcueSHq3OcDWT5inXFOqL8_0Q6A