Cowgirl Up
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Totally Biased Fan Review – The Catch – John Stokes EEP
Crumbling Down
Night River
Windless Ocean
Gone For Eternity
The Catch
Rains Cry Of Fear
Your Love
Just Broke
Drying
I only discovered John Stokes at Hats Off last year. Late to the party but enthusiastic, I kept running into him at gigs for two reasons. We both have excellent taste in music and have a penchant for singer/songwriters and two because John was appearing at many of the gigs that I went to. The first time was at The Press, at a songwriter’s night. He had a t shirt on which intrigued me and sounded familiar. Then he mentioned the names of Damian Cafarella and Shane Nicholson and things clicked. He also talked about Luke O’Shea and Johnny K and The Dag. If there was a jigsaw puzzle of a certain genre of country music, then these folks would be prominent pieces.
Shane produced this album, which is no surprise. It has touches of him all over it.
This 9 track EEP just falls short of the official 10 tracks for an album but only in quantity not quality.
With a voice that is reminiscent of John Swan (Swanee) and Johnny K – must be a John thing- Stokes has a bluesy/folky soulful sound. In country music terms, that’s country blues/folktry and soultry. There’s a Dylanesque quality at times and DCaf’s band buddy, Lachlan Bryan touches.
John could fit well into the Melbourne music scene, with his sentiments and sound. He lives in the ACT which is more known for politics than songwriters, though there are some notable ones from there.
John is not one to shy away from political references and important issues. Sometimes in a subtle way, sometimes not so subtle.
He has had a colourful and full life, so he has a lot to draw from.
John adds earthy, raw layers to his music. There’s a sensitive and thoughtful element to his work. From shearing sheds to the road to shades of The Dreaming and the plight of the Indigenous folks of Australia, it’s all here.
There’s great use of guitars on all of the tracks in a variety of ways. There’s some backing vocals but it pretty much focuses on one man’s song and story. Notably, Jen Mize is there adding her magic.
There’s a rambling, adventurous feel to many of the songs.
Like many story songs, they take a few listens to get the full picture. They are songs that make you think.
One of my favourite lines is in Just Broke – ‘ Or had the judge convicted before the jury had their say ’.
These songs are journey songs. Whether they take you down a river or a road or out on the ocean or through time. They are Australian songs but not in an in your face way.
I’ve been a fan of John’s since I first met him. He’s lived his songs or he has a connection with those who have.
A few singles have already been released, but this is the full story.
I think John will reach a wide range of listeners.
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