Jawnts: Northern take on South's rock
Transcribing interviews is the dullest part of reporting. As I sat in a coffee shop last week, desperate for any distraction, my prayers were answered in the form of an artist I know, newly employed behind the counter. As the kitchen was closing up, he of
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Transcribing interviews is the dullest part of reporting. As I sat in a coffee shop last week, desperate for any distraction, my prayers were answered in the form of an artist I know, newly employed behind the counter. As the kitchen was closing up, he offered to introduce me to the cook, a bass player for a local band named John the Conqueror. The man's name is Ryan Lynn. He scribbled his band's website -
» READ MORE: www.johntheconqueror.com
- on a napkin, and described their sound as bluesy Southern rock.
Turns out they play the exact kind of music I've been looking for. I lived in the South for four years (admittedly mostly in a college bubble), and listened to a lot of old-time blues and gritty, hard-driving bands like the Drive-By Truckers. John the Conqueror fits into the tradition of growling guitars accompanying songs about whiskey and women. In fact, they are ridiculously good at it.
The band is fronted by Pierre Moore, who writes their songs, plays guitar, and sings, while Michael Gardner plays drums. The two are cousins, originally from Mississippi, who moved up to Philly a few years ago. (John the Conqueror is named for an African American folk hero, a prince captured by slavers and brought to the South, where he outfoxes his oppressors.) They met Lynn and have rapidly achieved indie-level success, getting signed by Alive Naturalsound Records, which put out the Black Keys' first album many years ago.
John the Conqueror's impressive self-titled debut album came out in 2012; I recommend "Lucille" - easily found for free online - about the death of Moore's beloved "godmama." Their new album, The Good Life, will be released Feb. 25, and it's even stronger than their first (it includes a Randy Newman cover).
Jan. 18 will be your last chance to see them live in Philly for a while, as they are about to set off on a European tour that will wrap up right before the new album's American release. This is the kind of music that needs to be seen live, and loud, preferably in a barroom. Take this opportunity to see these guys on their home turf.
The show, for 21 and over, at the Legendary Dobbs, 304 South St., starts at 7 p.m. Three other acts are on the bill.