John Andrews New Music, Johnny Was, Drops August
- Details
- Category: UK A&E, Lifestyle, Culture
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 07:49
- Written by Lynsey Finch
Today on the High Violet roster we have the brilliant new EP from John Andrews, a talented Belfast singer-songwriter with heartfelt lyrics and a gritty, folk rock sound reminiscent of great rockers like Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.
The five song EP, Johnny Was, begins with a deeply personal Pray, taking the listener back to the bible thumping hell and damnation preacher that put a fear of the unknown and the chance of eternal hell into the mind of a boy. The tune has strong instrumentals sounding a bit like The Traveling Wilburys, with a voice that plays harmonies.
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The folk rock of Lovesick Blues, the last song on the EP, seduces the listener with rich guitar and honest lyrics. Gritty, honest and not shying away from his inner self, step into the world of Singer-Songwriter John Andrews with his colourful characters and lessons learned.
As a child growing up in a religious background in East Belfast, John attended one of Ian Paisley's churches from an early age, where his mother still plays the organ there.
His roots shine through his song writing which couldn't have come from anywhere but Northern Ireland. Cutting his teeth on the Belfast scene, John has become a firm favorite showcasing events regularly throughout the city, last year playing at Sunflower Fest, Fiele Fest and Eastside Arts Festival.
He's taken some time out from his solo EP in 2014 which was co-produced by Rev D Wayne (Alabama 3) and now he's back with "Johnny Was" EP, where he is once again, very much wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Influences include : Tom Waits, Frank Sinatra, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean and Ray Charles.
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"John Andrews has a distinctive voice, like he's been soaked in a vat of bourbon. His music incorporates Blues, Jazz and experimental tendencies verging into Folk and Punk. His lyrics frequently present atmospheric portraits of grotesque, often seedy characters and places although he has a penchant for more conventional ballads." Paul McMordie - Guitar Festival
"One of Belfasts most original artist to emerge from the Belfast undergound scene. John Andrews has whipped up a hybrid of Jazz, Blues and Hip Hop that is all his own. There is death, danger and darkness in this man's music, the feeling is palpable, however he redeems the effect with true Belfast Wit and a soaring tenor that pulls at the heart. John Andrews might just be the real deal." Declan Corr
