Voodoo Johnson

"Fans of Aerosmith and Leppelin really should check these guys out!" - BBC Radio 6

A classic rock EP that does the genre justice whilst still able to sound fresh and original, Birmingham five-piece Voodoo Johnson have pieced together a small but perfectly formed four-track release of consistent quality and instantly satisfying rock tracks. Confident and seductively abrasive vocals are matched by equally proficient instrumental efforts, resulting in a set of songs that stand out individually thanks to strong identifiable riffs and contagious lyrics, whilst still maintaining a distinct sound that binds the EP together. A great recording that shows Voodoo Johnson to be a cooly confident and talented band with the potential to make a significant stamp on the UK music scene. 4/5
- Black Velvet

Fans and the band alike have always revered Iron Maiden’s iconic mascot, Eddie. In fact -- as exposed by a magazine interview a year or two ago -- Maiden’s guitarists confirmed Eddie’s homosexuality, so he is most certainly a developing character. On the other hand, Slash, formerly of Guns N’ Roses, now spearheading Velvet Revolver, is known for his adorning of his famous top hat. Enter Voodoo Johnson, with their mascot, who I can only assume is Voodoo Johnson. By the way, he wears a top hat similar to Slash’s and has a demonic glint in his eye as his frothing mouth drips a viscous crimson liquid.

Again, Voodoo Johnson oozes professionalism, albeit a sleazy classic rock professionalism. Kev Bayliss, vocalist and principle lyricist of the band has a voice to rival any on the present-day rock scene, while the twin-engine guitar attack of the Gethins seeps class with every riff and lick. Naturally, Voodoo Johnson lives up to the sleazy image of classic rockers, with their tongues firmly in their cheeks; just look at song titles such as Blow Me (Away), for instance. Down the years, we have all witnessed the many weird and wonderful carnations of Eddie, and Iron Maiden has grown with said Mascot. A looming question is whether or not Voodoo Johnson can achieve similar parallels. Rest assured, the band wouldn’t be featured here if it didn’t at least have the potential. Make sure to listen to The Art Of Losing in your discovery of Voodoo Johnson, who, by the way, played at Kerrang’s live MCN competition on the 19th of April. Despite being situated in the UK, Voodoo Johnson is targeting the USA, and shall be playing in Michigan at the Mount Rock Fest towards the end of July this year. It’s going to be a busy year.
- www.ultimateguitar.com

It's rare to hear a new band and actually get excited about their future output. Voodoo Johnson's latest EP has certainly made me hungry in anticipation for a full length release. The songs are well written, and vocals are impressive. Also, the accompanying musicians demonstrate a well coordinated effort. This is the type of meaty kick ass rock and roll that will grab any one's attention once they press play. Voodoo Johnson is the real deal. - The Atomic Chaser

From Birmingham here in the Untied Kingdom comes the excellent Voodoo Johnson and their second EP simply entitled 'II'. The band is pretty damn good. Singer Kev Bayliss has a commanding likeable voice. Carl Gethin proves to be a cool guitarist in the style of Slash with hints of Jimmy Page and John Sykes. The whole bands are tight and their songs are catchy and performed with convincing power.

They perform live on a regular basis and have supported the likes of Tokyo Dragons and have built up a solid fan base. The band are highly influenced by Led Zeppelin through to Aerosmith and you can hear the influences on songs like 'Nowhere In-between' a catchy hard rocker with fantastic playing and vocals with Bayliss pushing himself with some really high notes. An early Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin feels comes across during 'The Art Of Losin', I adored this track. Once again Bayliss hits some amazing notes, the whole song is dynamic and raw with sex appeal. 'Blow Me (Away) is a fist punchy catchy fun rocker and 'Dirty Angel' is a cool seductive rocker again with that vintage edge coupled with pounding drums and sharp classic guitar riffs. The bands winner though is the aforementioned 'The Art Of Losin' which should land the band a record deal.

Voodoo Johnson are an excellent and the band is due to appear at the Kerrang MCN live! finalists! on April 19th at Butlins in Skegness performing before a panel of judges including Jimmy Page himself and Queen's Brian May. Go slay them boys.
- Nicky Baldrian

Despite only four songs and a modern day witch doctor mascot, Voodoo Johnson definitely hypnotizes listeners in their four-song EP entitled II. Based in the United Kingdom and influenced by classic rock bands such Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith, Voodoo Johnson utilizes these four songs to tantalize their audience with a modern version of classic guitar rifts combined with robust vocals. "Nowhere Inbetween" kicks off the album with a melodic relationship quarrel "play-by-play" by vocalist Kev Bayliss. Throughout the song, the chorus tells her "What you want, what you need" ranges from "a long way from here" to a frustrating "is there nowhere inbetween" – and ending with the realization of nothing satisfying her. The album segues perfectly to the second song, "The Art of Losin'," by transitioning to an upbeat message dedicated to staying positive throughout all of life's challenges. Listen for the Robert Plant influenced croon in the middle of this song and enjoy a little bit of 'funk' during portions of the tune. "Blow Me Away" unleashes the guitars and breaks you out of the trance in the first two songs, especially since the lyrics discuss "her" solution to "Nowhere Inbetween." This tune mesmerizes from beginning to end with some great work from brothers Carl and Paul Gethin on lead and rhythm guitars respectively. To end II, Voodoo Johnson gives us a glimpse of a southern rock style with "Dirty Angel." The best song on the album, "Dirty Angel" rolls from a traditional slow rock opening to an upbeat classic southern rock rhythm to keep you moving and grooving through the over 7 minute song without even knowing it! With only four songs on this EP, I know Voodoo Johnson grabbed a hold of me as I was captivated by the diversity and strength of these four songs – without anyone needing to stick my voodoo doll with needles. I'll gladly listen to this album over and over again. - Darron Markwood

Next up were Voodoo Johnson. Also a local band, it was nice to see Duff (or his management) had roped in some unsigned local support to kick off the night. Voodoo Johnson have an ever increasing profile at the moment and from what I’ve seen, are constantly on tour or promoting themselves in one way or another. Kev Bayliss is a great front man, with an increasing number of high profile fans, with recent radio plays from Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), and Alex Zane, they could be ones to watch out for in the future. They played a well rehearsed set, including songs such as the infectious ‘Nowhere Inbetween’ and ‘Dirty Angel’ its clear Voodoo Johnson are made up of very talented musicians and songwriters all chasing the same dream of a recording contract. The team of supporters that had turned up to see them were far from disappointed, and they certainly walked away with a few more fans to add to their ever growing alliance. - Duff McKagan gig review

"Phenomenal, one of the best unsigned albums I've Heard" 5/5- Adam Harold. Rocksomething.com
- Adam Harold (Total Rock Radio, Rocksomething webzine)

"Just quality, quality! Absolutely Superb, awesome rock tunes!" - Adam Green (BBC Radio Shropshire)

"This track would leave Velvet Revolver asking why they didn't write it"

"To finish, if this band don't make it, I'll shoot myself in the foot. Twice"
- Kirsty Jones