The Johnstones - Word Is Bond

 

1. No Time For The Moment

2. L.A.D.I.E.S.

3. I Know What My Name Is

4. Livin' In The Gutter

5. Sunny Days

6. What Are You Lookin' At?

7. She Said It Was Coo...

8. Bang Bang

9. Dun' Wan Lo

10. Action

11. G7C7

12. Gettin' Paid

13. No Song Here.. Must Be A Mistake??

14. L.A.D.I.E.S. (Reeeeaallly Baddass X Rated Version)

15. Gone For A Long Time

 

The Johnstones have released their third album, and first full length, named "Word Is Bond". This album shows the band in a fun ska way, but with teenage humor. They have built this album as a ska band with toilet humor. These guys are similar to that of bands like The Aquabats, The Planet Smashers, or even a band like Reel Big Fish, so if you like any of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality on this album, the album has been recorded to a very nice level. This is pretty up there for a jokester, fun ska band, and really gives the songs legitimacy. The instrumentation on this album is shown off pretty well here. Now with Ska music, it isn't quite about the ability, its more how fast and groovy you can make the song. The band does show that they can certainly play, and the brass section really shows what they can do. This isn't going to blow you away, but the band can certainly play good solid ska. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't that great. Their duel singers can sing, but it is more about being awkward and silly with the style. This does work for the band though, and thats what matters most. With the lyrics, for the most part they are very silly, childish and bathroom humour type of lyrics.  Song about getting paid, ladies, sex etc. These are fun songs, but it isn't really the type of music that holds up and keeps you having a long career. They are pretty good songs though.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Gone For A Long Time" your attention as it shows off the alum the best and the bands sound. 

The Johnstones have made their second album that really shows off their style and sound. This gives them something to really push forward and able to play more longer shows. For the genre that ska is, this works and is attracting people to their music. We like it. Listen to this album yourself to get your own opinion of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Ska/Punk/Rock

Release Date: 2006

Location: Ajax, Ontario

Label: Stomp Records 

The Johnstones Vs. Keepin' 6

 

(The Johnstones)

(Keepin' 6)

1. Action

2. G7C7

3. Gettin Paid

4. Handle It

5. Raise Your Glass

6. Come Along

The Johnstones and Keepin' 6 have decided to released a split EP together. This album contains three songs from each of the bands. The first three tracks are Keepin' 6 and the  last three are The Johnstones. This album really hits the ska punk scene pretty squarely. These guys go right for the heart of ska and skanking. This album has a similar sound to bands such as The Planet Smashers, Reel Big Fish or even Mustard Plug, so if you like those bands, you could really like both of these guys. They have done a good job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a middle of the road quality. These songs don't feel super clean and overproduced. They kep some of that raw, fast paced, dirty punk rock feel to them, as least with the Keepin' 6 songs. The Johnstones songs are not quite as raw, but still have the same energy as Keepin' 6 just with the added horns. The instrumentation on this album is pretty average here. How hard is it to just play your songs faster? But they do a good job, and the music is fun. These guys in both bands can play, and it's not always about the craziest riffs or chords, so it's nice to listen to this sometimes.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, Keepin' 6 vocals are harsh and raspy, while still being understandable. His vocals feel passionate and helps it to feel more authentic. He is still pretty clear, so you can get just what he is singing about. With The Johnstones, their vocals are loud, fast and goofy. This makes their music have a more fun approach to it. In some peoples eyes, his make take away from the true music lovers, but we find it fun to listen to, like ska should be. These guys are really nice and clear, so it helps you get their silly lyrics, and stupid jokes within the music. On that note, switching to lyrics, Keepin' 6 are more on the political, mean something side with their lyrics. They are trying to get you to get and feel their message. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song from either band, and you will get an idea of what both of them are about.

Keepin' 6 and The Johnstones have done a split album that seems to work well together. These bands are pretty new and don't have too much of a catalog so far, so any music helps add to this. Being that both bands are friends, this helps get each others fans into the other band. They have done a pretty alright job here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since both called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Ska/Punk/Rock

Release Date: 2005
Location: Ajax/Mississauga, Ontario

Website: http://www.thejohnstonessuck.com/ , http://www.keepin6.com/
Label: None

The Johnstones - What The Rosstek?!

1. Can't Tell
2. Hackey Sack
3. Trendy Not Trendy
4. Normal Guy
5. Another Million Served
6. Do The Ska
7. Hidden

The Johnstones have released their debut album titled "What The Rosstek." This album shows the band as a pretty Ska sort of band but is also add comedy into their songs as well. This band is not at all one of those serious bands, they are just fun to listen to. Think of any newer ska band and you'll have the idea of this band. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded alright but it could use some work on it to have an overall better sound, and the instrumentation as with any ska band isn't ever that spectacular, but it does work for the genre. Now onto the lyrics and the vocals, the lyrics and the vocals are as a whole not really the best of very meaningful, but they do have that fun and silly element to them which works with this band and what they are trying to do. If you are looking for a single for this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of it. The Johnstones have done a pretty good job on this album and we hope that with some progression and continuing what they are doing, along with playing lots of shows, they could really make this bang. Listen to this album to decide for yourself if you like it.

Genre: Punk/Ska/Rock

Release Date: 2004

Location: Ajax, Ontario
Website: http://www.thejohnstonessuck.com/

Label: None