Who Hit
John? – Whistle On The Rail (Hey Burner!)
Formed in Michigan, back in 2006, Who Hit John?
earned their spurs playing shows in bars and on street corners, carving out an
audience and winning a reputation for playing good-time roots and Americana. Their
influences range widely, from European folk and swing, New Orleans and gypsy
jazz, to string-band hoedowns, bluegrass and classic honky-tonk country. When
all mixed together, it makes for a heady blend of authentic, exciting
folk-rock; and I’m sure they’d go down a storm on the UK festival circuit.
One of the first things you’ll notice on “Whistle On
The Rail” is the group’s unfettered enthusiasm and gusto for their material.
Whether they’re playing hard and fast or relaxing the pace and making room for
jazzier, gentler pieces, there a joyousness running throughout the collection
which refers directly back to the five individual members, who all write and
sing, and play multiple stringed instruments.
They begin with the vivacious “Jassbo”, a full-on floor-filler,
with masses of rhythmic energy and joie de vivre, and will surely inspire many
to wild air-violin solos in front of their mirror. On “Dandelions”
they hit a rich Americana vein, with a song and style that wouldn’t have
sounded out of place on the Grateful Dead’s “Workingman’s Dead” or “American
Beauty” albums, and on “Crooked Trail” and “The Sky Hangs Low” they show they can hold their own
alongside any contemporary alt. country band you care to mention. Also, I
mustn’t forget to mention the final track, the outstanding “Dos Gardenias”. Sung in Spanish and borrowing from the
Cuban tradition, it adds something quite special and different to the album.
Phil S.
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