Johnossi
s/t
Rekord Musik/V2
When I got this album in the mail a couple of months ago, I wasn't really feeling it to be honest. Maybe it was because it was cold and raining, or maybe I just wasn't in the mindset to give it a proper listen. Fast forward to last week—I decide to put it in again, and I really start to like it. Maybe it's because it was now sunny and warm, or maybe it was because it was the right time to give it an honest shot. Whichever the reason, this is a standout pop/rock album, full of catchy songs and excellent guitarwork. Tracks like "Man must dance," "Execution song" and "Happiness a la mode" are great sing-a-longs and the proper album closer "Summerbreeze" is just gorgeous (note: V2's reissue adds three bonus tracks at the end). All in all, a solid debut by a band who's obviously on their way to finding their sound, and all luck to them breaking it big.
- Matt Giordano