Self-proclaimed Brit-Rock combo from Essex Johnny Get the Gun come on like a cross between early Killers and Kings of Leon, only with much bigger guitars, on the lead track 'Good as it Gets.' The vocals are vaguely reminiscent of Ian Astbury as the lyrics are belted out with some serious lung, and 'Hills & Knives' reminds me of the kind of anthemic rock that eighties bands like The Alarm specialised in. It's essentially representative of the EP's overall leanings: uptempo, spirited and guitar driven yet tuneful and accessible. In itself, 'Never Far from What We Know' is nothing all that special, but it stands out by virtue of the fact you simply don't hear many bands doing this sort of thing nowadays.
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There's a hint of MSP about 'Lead Hearts', but it's delivered with more urgency than pretty much anything the ageing Welsh agitators have produced in a long time. 'In the Middle' is a bit safe and pedestrian, and if I'm being harsh, it's not a million miles away from McFly, guitar-driven pop with a big chorus that sounds anything but dangerous. Thankfully, 'Take It' has a lot more fire in its belly as it races to the end, gathering enough pace to work up a sweat.
Johnny Get the Gun on MySpace
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