Johnny4
Mr Savage

Johnny4 build ‘Mr Savage’ up quite quickly from sparse indie to symphonic rock with ever-increasing echoes in the background and a relentless driving pace that keeps it all grounded. It’s almost like it’s been recorded in a church and the statues of the saints decided to contribute to the harmonies.

The twinkles of a metallophone make a massive contribution to the heavenly sound and as things build up into bigger and bigger chorus lines, it’s clear that the vocals are incredibly important to this band.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another song that can tug the heartstrings quite this much just using the music and when you start to get into the ‘all or nothing’ lyrics, it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes – in a very manly way, of course.

It’s emotional, but it’s not EMO – perhaps it’s the start of indie-mo?

Johnny4

Written by Fenton on 16th June 2007

Steve Fenton writes in our music, words, and culture categories. He was Editor in Chief for The Mag and covered live music for DV8 Magazine and Spill Magazine. He was often found in venues throughout the UK alongside ace-photographer, Mark Holloway. Steve is also a technical writer and programmer and writes gothic fiction. Steve studied Psychology at OSC, and Anarchy in the UK: A History of Punk from 1976-1978 at the University of Reading.