Johnny Foreigner - Eyes Wide Terrified (Best Before)
UK release date: 19 May 2008
Finally, a band who makes a noise worth getting excited about. Having been unimpressed by just about everything labelling itself indie in the last two years, Johnny Foreigner have finally got this jaded old cynic enthused for the first time in ages.
Referred to by some as pop, I have to say I wasn't entirely looking forward to the Johnny Foreigner experience. Despite a particularly catchy, breezy breakdown towards the end of the song which showcases the sweet vocals of Kelly Southern, Eyes Wide Terrified is a beserk sprint through the varying landscape of the current rock scene.
Whilst not as aggressive as Rolo Tomassi, Johnny Foreigner are adept at changing tempo and mood within a heartbeat. This is what makes them so appealing and exciting. Eyes Wide Terrified might start off like a fairly innocuous indie single, but it quickly builds and shoots off in several different directions. Each route is effortlessly performed and packed with explosive energy, not least the guitar solo that reminds us of J Mascis in his prime.
Importantly, despite this quick change approach to songwriting and structure, JF lose none of their ear for pop melody. Eyes Wide Terrified is a tense ball of explosive pop energy and should propel them towards stardom. If you like things even more intense check out the B-sides I Heard He Ties Up Cats and What Burlesque Won't Stand which come on like Biffy Clyro and Million Dead in a head butting contest.
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