Founded in 2010 by four high school students in Sens, Burgundy, not so much a historical cradle of rock, Johnny Mafia has built over time a relentless reputation as a live band. And in two albums and nearly 250 concerts, has managed to impose itself at the top of a new French scene that never ceases to surprise. After a second album recorded by Jim Diamond (The White Stripes, The Fleshtones, The Sonics) and widely acclaimed by the specialized press, it is to the local pointure Kris Banel, behind the handles of many excellent French punk rock records, that the group turns to prepare the continuation, recorded in Warmaudio studio in spring 2020. Composed over a much tighter period than their previous records, the aptly named Sentimental gains in coherence as well as in intensity. The band moves away from the garage rock that characterized their previous records, and leaves more room to major influences of long time, Pixies and Breeders in head. Under powerful walls of guitars that one would think came straight out of a time when MTV was still synonymous with coolness, the band piles up furious tracks with indelible refrains, imbued with an astonishing pop sensibility that gives all its meaning to the title of this new record; and tries in passing some judicious arrangements without losing sight of the essential. Sentimental is one of those records where you feel that the band knew exactly where they wanted to go, and that they knew how to do it. A spontaneous, uncomplicated and particularly enjoyable indie rock album, a real instant classic as it is not released every day in France.
TRACKLISTING
1. Split Tongue
2. I’m Sentimental
3. Aria
4. Phone Number
5. Trevor Philippe
6. Refused
7. Love Me Love Me
8. Problem
9. TV And Disney
10. No More Toes 11. Nail Gun
11. Ushua?a
12. On My Knees
« Absolute stage smashers » (Eurosonic Norderslaag)
« An ambitious album, with catchy riffs and melodies so finely chiseled that it is impossible not to hum them » (Rolling Stone)
LISTEN
I’M SENTIMENTAL
bit.ly/JOMAFIA21
