Blues rock powerhouse Johnny No is celebrating the release of “DEMOnology.” This EP is Johnny No’s first studio effort since 2014’s “Modern Hymns for the Gentleman Loafer.” “DEMOnology” lives up to its name. This trinity of songs is a demonstration Johnny No’s current state of sonic evolution as well as a harbinger of more music to come. “DEMOnology” is also Johnny No’s first venture into the “single-driven” world of the new music industry business model.
“When you talk to all the bands coming on the scene, they all say the same thing,” explains vocalist The Rev. “They all say that it’s a single-driven world these days. ‘DEMOnology’ is our attempt to play a young musician’s game to see if it works for us. We also want to show all our longtime fans that breaking the hiatus hasn’t been in vain, as far as putting out new material, and they can expect more.”
“WOKE” plunges listeners into the dark blues rock landscape that Johnny No forged for “DEMOnology.” This hypnotic blues track is a middle class lamentation for all those cursed to sacrifice life for labor in the name of survival. “Can’t Pop that Mule” provides a touch of upbeat Port City Ne’er-Do-Well Blues contrast. This song is a desperate plea for mercy, sympathy and rest after a late night in the juke joint. “Soul City” completes this trio with a wave of life reflection. The grand finale of “DEMOnology” takes its name and inspiration from an infamous swimming hole in North Mobile County where The Rev. was baptized during his childhood.
“’Soul City’ has become a favorite with the band on a lot of different levels,” says The Rev. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we revisit it on our next full-length. Me and Al will be celebrating ten years as members of Johnny No next year, so another studio album in the near future is not out of the question. Maybe we’ll use the occasion to put something out in vinyl.”
In 2009, Al McNab (Guitar) brought The Rev. (Lead Vocals) into Johnny No. A few years later, this band from Mobile, Al. added Tarleton “T” McNab’s bass to their mix. The current line-up also includes Sam Gaston (Drums) and Joel Andrews (Keyboard). Johnny No has been spreading what they call the Port City Ne’er-Do-Well Blues. After the release of their debut album “The Riviera Sessions, Vol. 1,” High Times Magazine recognized them as an “Unsigned Band of the Week.” Afterwards, they went on to open for acts such as J. Roddy Walston & the Business, Bobby Rush, Anders Osbourne and Luther Dickinson. They were also fortunate enough to open for Eddie Kirkland shortly before his passing. Johnny No is a veteran of Mobile’s SouthSounds Music Festival, Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues and Heritage Festival, BayFest (Alabama’s Largest Music Festival), Juke Joint Fest (Clarksdale, Ms.) and the International Blues Challenge.