Jet Black Berries’ ‘Johnsonville’ sounds like the theme tune to a lost goth western, where the cowboys are dressed in black and the synths wear eyeliner. Rattling drums, grizzled guitars and big goth keyboards create a wonderfully cinematic backdrop for this tale of outlaws, guns and frontier justice, as Bill rides into the tension-filled saloon of some dusty outpost.
There’s a classic 80s feel here, with something that slightly reminded me of Spear of Destiny, while the lyrics add a pulp-horror edge. A nice synth and guitar break provides a welcome stand-off, before the song returns to its bouncy, sinister groove. Dark, atmospheric and oddly swaggering, it’s a fine slice of horror-punk.
'Johnsonville' is the opening track on the newly remastered reissue of the band's seminal 1985 concept album, Sundown On Venus.
LINK: propellersoundrecordings