The first thing I have to say about the Canadian-based quartet TOP JOHNNY is that this is definitely THE most professional press package I have received in a LONG time. It came in a colorful, logo-emblazoned, velcro-sealed folder not only containing the self-titled CD itself, but also an official press release, several pages of biography on the band and its members, some short press quotes and airplay information, an 8x10 of the band and a business card! Just like the old days when bands and their management/ record companies actually gave a shit to put something like this together… kudos to StarBrite Productions!!!

Secondly, before I even get into the music itself, I have to say that the production value on this release is just incredible! This is one of the best “sounding” CD’s I have heard in a LONG time as well. Producers Mr. P and TJ Star (who is also the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter) really went out of their way to put out a quality product. Simply looking at this release from a “production” stand point… this is 5 stars all the way!

And finally, we come to the band and music itself… Wow! That’s all I can say…

TOP JOHNNY is an edgy, hard rock/ metal band that combines elements of that classic, guitar-oriented, metal sound of bands like BADLANDS, PINK CREAM 69 or LYNCH MOB with touches of more modern bands like TOOL or RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. What really makes these guys even more interesting is the fact that there aren’t a whole Hell of a lot of bands out there still doing what these guys are doing!

From the opening track “Bad Boy (For Loving You)” to the final chord of “Ready 4 U,” every song on this CD is a pure adrenaline rush at its finest. There’re no ballads, no breaks and certainly no slowing down. This is just straight forward, in-your-face rock ‘n roll… period! The songs are aggressive and edgy, the arrangements are tight and as a unit, TOP JOHNNY will kick your ass!

Just check out tracks like “Out of Control,” “The Edge (Is Where The Action Is)” and “Your Love Is Killing Me.” With their heavy guitar licks, these aggressive rockers combine some great, heavy hooks with potent melodic chorus’ ala bands like DOKKEN or PC 69. Then without slowing down, TOP JOHNNY ventures over to the bluesy side with “Love You Like An Animal” while “Feel So Alive” and “Keep It Real” have an almost late 70’s/ early 80’s hard rock vibe to them. And if you’re looking for some tunes with a touch of that more modern flair, you won’t be disappointed in “Bustin’ Loose” or “We Are Live.”

This is just a killer, killer release all around. Fans looking for that heavier, aggressive, melodic sound will absolutely flip over this and for all you guitar-oriented rockers, let me tell ya… Izzy Slater attacks the strings like a lion on an antelope! His heavy, thrusting melodies combined with some stellar solos and classy licks are beyond impressive… it’s no wonder this guy has been winning “best guitarist” awards all over Canada for the past couple of years!

Great job guys… err… and gal! (sorry Karo!) I look forward to hearing more in the future.