Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Ive never been proficient with words or description, so Ill leave it to frontman Lars to describe JOHNNY NO STARS: "Johnny No Stars is intellectual metal. Whether its the jaunting, off-beat riffs, time signature molestations or lyrics about out-of-body experiences, our music is designed to make you think."
The band began in early 2002 after Lars (vocals/guitar), Baker (guitar) and Dan (drums) left the garage in pusuit of higher learning at U of M. The final additions were drawn from the talent pool of the university; Ben (bass) and Deuce (keys) in 2005. "Not long after the band was formed, we realized we could get much more serious with our music than we initially conceptualized, and now we are on a quest to see how far fate will allow us to carry Johnny No Stars," Lars says.
In a culture overwhelmed by uniform and absence of free thought, JNS is a mega breath of fresh air. "Unfortunately, those of us who are looking for metal that will show us something new and insightful have to sift through heaping loads of shitty music before we find what we're looking for," Lars laments. JNS is all of their influences including Radiohead, Deftones, The Cure, and NIN all fucking and making beautiful music. Their album Willful Suspension of Disbelief, is out and upcoming shows take place at the Blind Pig and The Elbow Room. Check these guys out and give your brain some hot sex.
by Aaron Rajala - Real Detroit Weekly
Discography
N.O.R.A.D. EP
Willful Suspension of Disbelief
Any Day Now EP
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Johnny No Stars was formed in the intellectual hub of Ann Arbor, MI in 1999. The original lineup - Lars on vocals and rhythm, Dan on percussion, and Baker on lead guitar - were old friends who were inspired to reform parts of their defunct high school garage band. Joined by college chum Ben on bass guitar, the four forged a unique style of psychedelic rock in a tiny loft apartment complex whenever the neighbors would allow. Inspired by the jaunting rhythms of Tool, and the lurching melancholy of Radiohead, JNS completed an independent 6 song e.p. (Welcome to Norad) in 2001, while playing every dirty club and every shady house party they possibly could. The blue collared work ethic of the band inspired local venues to showcase Johnny No Stars on a monthly basis, helping to build their fan base with strong grassroots efforts. In early 2005, the band assembled a personal studio for the sole purpose of producing their first independent album, Willful Suspension of Disbelief, which has been in high demand as the group headlines shows across the metro-Detroit area. With the recent addition of Deuce on keys and synth, the group has further managed to evolve their distinct psychedelic metal sound with haunting melodies drawing from brit-pop and electronic trip-hop influences. The band has recently completed the three song EP Any Day Now, and are currently touring the area to promote it.
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