John J Presley

we can detect a rather broad range of influences throughout this live demo, including but not limited to Queens Of The Stone Age, Death From Above 1979, The Blood Arm, Kings Of Leon (when they actually made music that mattered), Nick Cave, Ray LaMontagne – yet the composition works so well that we find ourselves playing this on continuous repeat in order to get a steady fix of that distorted bass sound coupled with those raspey vocals.. - Killing Moon

Darting effortlessly between thick, pounding and intrusive blues and sweet swaying melancholy, and with his signature gruff vocals scraped across the song, Presley proved that he was indeed an excellent candidate as the starter in this three course, musical feast. - Counteract Magazine

With a brief nod to the crowd the music began, yes it was folk music, but it was the darkest most brooding folk music I have ever heard. John’s deep tones added another dark layer to the energetic instrument playing and when his female counterpart joined them on stage the music truly came to life. I questioned the pairing no more with songs such as ‘Reason of the Damned’ and probably the best one they performed ‘Sweet Sister’. The chorus for one of their last songs asked ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and the answer is yes, most definitely. They describe their music as blues with a folk noir twist and I can’t think of a better description. - With Guitars.com

His husky voice twinned with the raw instrumentation and recording techniques make for an incredibly emotive song that slaps you round the face with blistering guitar solos and leaves you wanting more. - The Flying Flatcap

John J is a really interesting act, something very different. Evidently he’s an accomplished musician and songwriter who has a gruff, sandpaper like vocal that complements his individual style of hard hitting rock riffs whilst being ably supported by droning keys and hard hitting drums from his equally as cool cohorts. An act to look out for in the future. - Gig Junkies

Presley conveys an aching, Byronic grandeur. - Birmingham Live

We also feel that its important that you fucking listen to John J Presley, in particular this bluesfully-soulful tune Sweet Sister which surfaced not too long ago. Our boy John has been making his-self and his band of merry men a man and a lady rather busy since we last crossed paths; other than churning out bad-boys like this one here, the unsigned outfit from Brum sorted themselves right out with some sweet gigs with the likes of Tenebrous Liar (which is something to do with a photographer called Steve Gullicks, which is nice) and some other band called Band Of Skulls in December. The track itself? We’re referencing Manchester Orchestra doing hot-shots The Family Rain laying the smacketh downeth on Father John Misty in our brain-heads when we’re perusing this flick. - Killing Moon

The Birmingham trio of Presley on guitar/vocals, Miss Perry on keyboard and suave looking Richard Franklin on drums belt out a rip roaring set of folky, southern blues inspired rock. Presleys deep, husky voice combined with a distorted guitar tone brings to mind what might have happened if Johnny Cash had teamed up with the Black Keys. Their songs have an intensity to them that captivates the crowd and creates a real old school ambience where you really feel a part of the gig.

John J Presley is creating a stir, mainly by word of mouth and after tonight there’ll be a few more tongues wagging.
- The Midlands Rocks

Finally came the main event, the crème de la crème of the evening, John J Presley. Whilst the previous acts leant on their aggressive styles and fast paced delivery, Presley demonstrated a more subdued and balanced approach. Complete with a full accompaniment of backing from guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and cello, Presley executed a picture perfect set, plucking choice cuts from his extensive range of dirty southern rock ballads. With the capacity full to bursting, Presley and Co caressed the crowd with subtle elegance, easily shifting from wailing, throbbing guitars and regimental drums, to gently picked melodies and soft string symphonies. Presley’s experience shone through at every point and, with a back catalogue stretching back as far as 10 years and counting, you can be sure that he won’t stop treating all those lucky enough to see him, anytime soon. - Counteract Magazine

"Even when he was milling around pre-set John J. Presley looked like he meant business, and when he starting playing his ominous “delta blues rock” it became clear that there was more to the man than sharp threads. Weighty, unsettling stuff." - The Line Of Best Fit