Tuesday 6 August 2013

Review: Who Hit John? – Whistle On The Rail


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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