Album Review: Johnny Get The Gun - Johnny Get The Gun

Apparently Johnny Get The Gun are for fans of You Me At Six, My Chemical Romance and All Time Low, however I find this statement questionable, as their 6-track mini-album concludes being a decent release, but nothing to shout about.

The opening guitar chords of 'You Will Be Mine' might suggest the above comparisons are true, middle of the road, guitar-led powerpop with a acceptable chorus and is ideal for an opener.

Whilst 'All Good Things' is a summery, laid back number with Wayne Lightowler's soulful vocals lead to a driving rock sound, which works well but much like this, dosen't leave a distinctive impression. 'Man With A Dream' is nearly identical to Iggy Pop's 'The Passenger', its stripped down, bouncy tempo is ok but you have a feeling that the track is quickly forgettable.

'Give You More' sees the band returning to their more rockier side, with crunching guitars and thriving drums that when combine with Lightowler's strong vocals, create a highlight for the record. Whereas 'Problems' can be highlighted for its structure, at first it allows Lightowler's voice take centre stage, before the bands tight unit comes blasting through. The closing 'This Night To End' continues the bands well-paced rock-pop style, but it dose't speak volumes, and overall the band fail to keep up the momentum from the previous two tracks.

As a debut release, Johnny Get The Gun have given themselves a basic ground, that they can build upon. As band they come off as well-rounded and connect well, but their style and songwriting technique come do with a few tweaks here and there.

2.5/5

'Johnny Get The Gun' by Jonny Get The Gun is released on August 23rd.

Johnny Get The Gun on MySpace

Sean Reid