Album Notes

Johnny on the Rise’s debut, Down South, is an amalgam of sound, ranging from the early roots of country to classic and modern rock. An unlikely pair, these two young men crossed paths in Rome, Italy – one, an Italian raised in Germany and the other hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. The two share lead on their debut album, providing a range of vocal sounds. In addition to vocal diversity, JOTR utilizes harmonica and mandolin alongside the more typical guitar arrangements. The first track from JOTR’s debut, “Pretty Baby Blues” has a rhythm driven primarily by harmonica and is a wonderful homage to the importance and influence of the blues on what would later become honky-tonk, while “Poor Man’s Soul” has qualities reminiscent of The Doors and even Pearl Jam. Down South is as much a biography as it is an album; the telling of both individual and shared experiences from the duo. Just like any biography, it is the past that shapes the identity: Down South is born from musical and experiential impressions, and its identity is a celebration of such influences. While it is impossible to limit Johnny on the Rise and their debut album to a specific style or genre, their passion for music is evident with the voicing of every lyric and with the pluck of every string. If you enjoy music, you should enjoy Down South.