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