JOHN are comprised of John Newton (drums, lead vocals) and Johnny Healey (guitar, backing vocals) and return with ‘Hopper On The Dial‘, the b-side of a new 7″ landing on 17 February via Brace Yourself and Pets Care Records. It’s a departure from the extraordinary noise that the duo have previously produced, but no lesser a track for it. Production was a transatlantic collaboration between London’s Tom Hill and Rhode Island’s Seth Manchester (METZ, Big Brave, Battles). The track opens quietly with the guitar taking the lead but the intensity grows almost without noticing. The music continues to build but unusually for JOHN quietens again towards the end. ‘Hopper On The Dial‘ is almost five minutes long which is surprising as the listener is drawn into its haunting spell and the passing of time seems to ebb away.
John Newton expands on the inspiration for the song:
“The title eludes to the contemplative characters of Edward Hopper’s paintings – often locked in thought in a series of dream-like interiors. The song functions in a similar manner: a wandering view that mulls over the potential of a future – whether that be the security of an occupation, home or environment. It’s something a little more sprawling and spatial, with a floating pace that builds gradually. It’s an approach that has grown further throughout our releases, and we’re really pleased to be able to still feel like we’re developing as a band after almost a decade on the road”
“Johnny (guitarist/backing vocals) has an incredible talent for these melodic guitar lines – often appearing as improvisations in-between tracks throughout our live set. We’ve gradually pushed these into the forefront, and I think it’s given us another dynamic ability as a band – which is incredibly pleasing”
‘Hooper On The Dial’ is the B-side of a 7″ with previous single ‘Theme New Bond Junior’ on the A-side. It’s available to pre-order here.
For more information on John please check out their facebook and twitter.
