Recently unveiled by the award-winning London-born (raised in Australia) songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, John E Vistic, is a masterful collective of music that beckons the world to immerse itself in a unique blend of punk, rock and roll, and alt-country. With a storied presence at festivals like Rebellion, Camp Bestival, Glastonbury, and Latitude, Vistic has carved out a legendary status in the music scene. Having shared the stage with notable acts such as Mudhoney, The Sonics, and Alabama 3, Vistic has been hailed by the BBC as an “irresistible, unstoppable, larger than life force of nature” whose live shows are a sweaty, loud, and intoxicating experience.
The EP unfolds with an intensity that immediately captures the listener’s attention. The opening track, “Humans Are Bastardz,” is a sonic rollercoaster that twists, turns, winds you up, and then releases you. It’s a visceral expression that mirrors the raw and unfiltered thoughts many harbor but may hesitate to vocalize.
The honesty and audacity of the EP set the tone for a musical journey that is haunting and primal, gripping the soul of the audience.
Following this, “Crime and Punishment,” the second track, evokes pure nostalgia, transporting listeners back to the days of Peter Murphy and Bauhaus. The familiarity in sound is met with Vistic’s distinctive touch, adding a contemporary edge to the vintage vibes. The track becomes a testament to Vistic’s ability to seamlessly blend influences from different eras into a cohesive and engaging musical experience.
“Gunz Germs & Steel,” the third track, emerges as twisted madness straight from the gut, echoing the true spirit of punk rock in the UK. It’s a sonic rebellion that embraces chaos and challenges conventional norms, a sonic embodiment of the rebellious ethos that defines punk rock.
The EP reaches its conclusion with “To Every Purpose Under Heaven,” a somber narrative that explores the stories of lost souls navigating the complexities of existence, seeking purpose in a world that often feels alienating. Vistic weaves a tapestry of emotions, creating a sonic landscape that resonates with the listener’s own contemplations on life’s purpose and meaning.
Drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of musical influences such as The Jesus & Mary Chain, Marky Ramone, The Jesus Lizard, The Cramps, Stooges, The Birthday Party, Sisters of Mercy, PIL, The Cosmic Psychos, and contemporary acts like Idles, Metz, and Fontaines DC, Vistic’s collection is a sonic exploration that promises a thrilling and unpredictable experience.
For those daring enough to venture into Vistic’s musical realm, be warned – the experience is not for the faint of heart.
It’s an unapologetic dive into the raw, the honest, and the untamed, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to listen. So, if you’re ready for a musical journey that defies expectations and challenges the status quo, delve into John E Vistic’s latest EP. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
Artist Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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