Published on Mar 26, 2004
Brief even by EP standards, Johnny Cummings’ debut disc
Copesetic is a challenge to review, clocking in as it does
at four songs and just over 15 minutes. The good news is, I didn’t
mind at all hearing these songs several times in a row.
The diversity of this quartet of tracks makes it difficult to
slap a simple label on them, but you could call it alt-rock for
over-thinkers. Heavier than Fountains of Wayne, deeper than
Nickelback, more esoteric than Gin Blossoms, Johnny Cummings is an
intriguing mix of ego and id, introspective intelligence and
chord-crunching rock.
He starts off heavy with the bludgeoning, almost metallic
opening to “Suffocate Me,” slamming home a complex sequence of
riffs that reminded me of Dream Theater’s John Petrucci. The lyrics
are a step above what you might expect from the throbbing music,
though — the venting of a damaged soul trapped in a
self-destructive relationship. And even at his angriest, Cummings’
vocals are crisp and clear.
Next up (sorry, with four tracks it’s tough not go one-by-one)
is the more mid-tempo and melodic “Too Far,” whose once-again
introspective lyric unfolds over solid riffing from Cummings. The
cut has a nice full sound that belies the fact that Cummings plays
most of the instruments (guitar, bass, piano), with assistance only
from drummer Joe Myers and occasional rhythm guitarist Matt
Quistorf.
“Partial” starts out as a quiet piano number, but quickly builds
into more of a power ballad, one which I’d compare to matchbox
twenty, but in a good way — as in, strong vocal arrangement, solid
dynamics and appealing production.
Finishing up is my favorite track here, “Ready To Go.” I am
admittedly somewhat of a Gin Blossoms fanatic, and right here you
can find all the reasons why: fat, jangly, propulsive guitar lines
over a steady rock beat, superb harmonies and a sing-along chorus.
Cummings even sounds like Robin Wilson in places on this very
appealing track.
Four tracks barely qualifies as an appetizer, but I’m ready
right now to sign on for the main course. Johnny Cummings serves up
tasty rock and roll that will have you asking for more.