JOHN, Yes (Pink Room), 14th October 2021

So not every band is for everyone. It’d be boring if we all liked the same stuff. I like JOHN. They make a beautifully brutal noise that makes me smile and do that magical thing of achieving this with just two members… both called John. Of course. Word doesn’t seem to be out about JOHN yet though, as a criminally quiet Yes illustrates. It’s a bit selfish of me, but I’m quite enjoying the space. It can be a bit uncomfortable in here when it’s sold out. It’s not empty, far from it but I make the most of it, assuming that once the record buying public get their ears around the brand new album, JOHN’s star will rise. The new stuff feels more accessible without losing those eardrum destroying drums or ribcage ruining guitars. I last saw these lads at MCR Pysch Fest at a midnight slot. They not only kept me awake but gave me a second wind to keep watching bands for a few more hours. Tonight they take to the stage to a wall of feedback, plug in and add layer upon layer of thick glorious molten rock. It’s the sort of sound that melts… everything, speaker stacks, inhibitions, everything goes nuts and it’s not long before the extra bits of space are swallowed up by a circle pit populated by kids with goofy grins and disastrous haircuts. Fair play to the lad with the glasses, who despite getting bounced around like a rag doll, never loses his feet or his specs. I love the first album, but these new songs sound amazing live. There’s more going on, despite still being a two piece. Slightly more reflective, slowing the sound down (only a little in places), playing with what they can do and live it’s more fun too, as the crowd feed off them and they feed right back. Yes it’s not for everyone, but music like this reaches you on a primal level, it can be for anyone. From kids with bad haircuts to the old dude at the back, who looks like he might be here because it’s the only thing he can hear… seriously it’s bloody loud! Despite the pace, drummer John handles the vocals deftly, with a growl that amazingly punches through everything else coming off stage, as guitar John shreds away with his dripping fringe marking how much work this duo are putting in. It’s stunning stuff and perfect for this room. After an hour they leave as they arrived, in a wall of echoey feedback. I love JOHN.