John and Jehn prepare for debut release
Wednesday, 23 Apr 2008 16:06
The debut by John and Jehn
French duo John and Jehn launch their self-titled debut album in London tonight.
The couple will take to the stage about 20:00 at the Luminaire in Kilburn, north-west London.
Their music, which has been influenced by Joy Division, Serge Gainsbourg and the Velvet Underground, is razor-sharp dark pop.
John plays guitar and supplies vocals. His partner Jehn plays bass and also provides vocals.
The lovers moved to London from France at the end of 2006. They recently supported British Sea Power, delivering a live show full of menace and intoxicating charm.
John is a brooding figure who explodes into Elvis-styled moves and cold-blooded stares whereas Jehn is a winning blend of energy and serenity.
Their album features tracks such as the skewed hymn that is DOM, built around duelling vocals and staccato keys. DOM finishes with a sense of uneasy calm but this is shattered by the moodiness of Fear Fear Fear.
Another outstanding track is 20L07, touted as a future single. This song is a helter-skelter mix of the Beatles and Serge Gainsbourg.
Lee Davis