If there’s a band around at the minute that deserves a hell of a lot more recognition than they’re currently getting, it’s Johnny Get The Gun. Hailing from Essex, the boys have been working their socks off since forming in 2007 and received rave reviews for their previous EP ‘Never Far From What We Know’. Despite their apparent success, it seems as though the band have fallen off the radar slightly but, judging by how great their upcoming album is, 2012 might be their year. If you’re not convinced yet, the guys have decided to release ‘Always Isn’t Forever’ completely gratis, giving you a generous helping of pop rock for absolutely nothing.
From the first line of the opening track, ‘Good As It Gets’, Wayne Lighthowler’s unique voice is showcased, switching between a deep, soulful tone and a loud, emotional cry more suited to the emo sound that most of the sing-a-long choruses hint towards. ‘My Mistake’ wouldn’t be out of place in the top ten of the charts. Combining double pedal drums with pop vocals, the band appeals to the masses. ‘Crash and Burn’ provides much of the same before ‘A Long Night’ interrupts with the ballad of the album. Wayne’s melodic vocals remain loud and powerful over the quieter guitars of the track, building up to a rockier chorus. Unfortunately, what could be an anthemic track ends up weak and forgettable.
‘Out of Control’ raises the game again with a Young Guns-esque formula of heartfelt lyrics and driving guitars that could easily find a place on daytime radio. ‘Why Watch So Many People Fall’ veers away from the pop elements of the band and, as guitars and drums take centre stage, it’s obvious the guys’ hearts belong to the rock side of their music and ‘Forever Quiet’ continues the speeding guitars, energetic drums and passionate vocals.
By the end of the album penultimate track ‘Take It’ sounds like every other track that has come before but, thankfully, before we completely lose interest, ‘If You Could See Us Now’ changes the tempo again, rounding off the record with a despairing tale of unrequited love.
The only negative thing to say about the album is at times the nine songs on Always Isn’t Forever sound as though they were specifically written for post-break up, teenage girls and verge on the self-pitying. The catchy pop rock choruses and sing-a-long tunes more than make up for it though.
Up there with the likes of Kids in Glass Houses and Don Broco, Johnny Get The Gun’s radio-friendly brand of pop rock belongs on the iPods of angsty young adults everywhere. Taking a saturated genre and adding their own twist with an excitingly unique vocal performance, the latest release from the foursome is definitely worth checking out.
KATHRYN BLACK