MyNameIsJohnMichael is a band that I really enjoy going to see live. Most of the fans that show up to see them are loyal to the core, and the rest are there because they have heard great things about them. They are a 6 person band that takes advantage of a wide variety of sounds. The band itself has its beginnings in a side project (52 songs in 52 weeks) started by John Michael Rouchell, which I believe is why the band has its name. John Michael was previously in a respectable band known as Ellipsis.
John Michael's songwriting abilities are excellent, he can hold you in for the duration of his set on lyrical curiosity alone. His dark lyrics project stories about people that can keep anyone entertained for a show. Their rhythms and melodies match the lyrics with almost as much force on their album, but their instrumentation definitely takes over during the live shows. They control exciting rhythms that beat the heart of what makes me want to go see musicians perform.
MNIJM utilizes almost any object to make music. For instance, Cory Schultz uses a trash can to complement the drumming in "Down Near the Lost Found." The majority of the band makes great use of their vocal abilities as well. In almost half of the songs on their latest album they provide pleasing vocal melodies to sing along with, "Misery Runs," "Nothing But Memories," and "The Elders (althought it wasn't on the latest release)."
Glockenspiel, an excellent rhythm section, vocals to boot, and a growing percussion section. Could anyone ask for more out of a band? Well they have much more to please people with, and I think that John Michael's storytelling/songwriting is just awesome. The songs on their myspace are an excellent taste of what they can offer live, but go support these guys in the field. Their next show in South Louisiana is Jan 15th at One Eyed Jack's.
-Cory Vogel
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