Artist: Johnossi
Label: V2
Release: 2006
Rating: 3.5/5
Johnossi is a Swedish duo that stormed onto the world music scene in 2006 with their self-titled album. These days it’s downright odd to find acts made up of just two members. It wouldn’t be so odd if they were two multi-instrumentalists, but John Engelbert and Oskar “Ossi” Bonde stay loyal to just guitar and drums.
The duo borrows a lot from British pop, and you can hear the influence of Oasis and Blur, especially Oasis, who have a bit more of a rockier sound. There’s a little something from other genres too, like folk and blues, but not exactly a lot. Structure-wise, these are pretty basic songs built on basic chords, with deviations only rarely, and when they do happen, it’s during the few instrumental parts. Still, it never feels like the songs are missing anything.
I expected the sound to be really weak just because it’s only guitar, drums and vocals, but it wasn’t much of a flaw at all. With this move, the two lads pulled off something clever. They put all their chips on what they do best. Trouble could have started if they hadn’t delivered on their parts satisfactorily. But they exceed expectations. The guitars and drums really are fairly basic, but the guys obviously know their limitations. Instead of showing off with skills they don’t have, they went for pure melodic music that gets stuck in your ear fast. Another ace up their sleeve is the singer, who has a pleasant, likable, at times raspy voice and often reminds me of the singer from Counting Crows.
The lyrics are pretty solid, especially considering these guys are Swedes. It doesn’t sound like the singer is a foreigner trying to sound like an Englishman. It seems like Scandinavians and the Dutch have the least trouble with proper pronunciation of English lyrics. The themes are pretty ordinary. They’re about everyday happenings, and every now and then Engelbert serves up a pinch of humor.
The Swedish duo’s debut is a successfully made album packed with melodic rock that never gets too sugary. I was already afraid I’d have to use the album as a coaster for a wobbly table, but the Swedes surprised me. I expected a cheap, sugar-coated product, and I got so much more. Recommended for all fans of good melodic rock.
Lineup
John Engelbert – vocals, guitar
Oskar “Ossi” Bonde – drums, vocals
Production
Pelle Andersson
Track list
1. Show Tonight
2. Execution Song
3. Glory Days To Come
4. There’s A Lot Of Things To Do Before You Die
5. Man Must Dance
6. Family Values
7. Press Hold
8. Rescue Team
9. Santa Monica Bay
10. The Lottery
11. Summerbreeze
