Johnsons

  • Johnsons
  • Break Tomorrow's Day. (Fever / Restless) 1986 

An album containing songs with titles like “Sylvia Plath” and “The Affirmation” doesn’t look promising, but this Philadelphia trio’s record, nicely co-produced by Glenn Morrow (Rage to Live) and John Wicks (Records), easily allays such fears with winning harmony-vocal guitar rock that is disarmingly unpretentious. As it turns out, “Sylvia Plath” is an offbeat fan letter written by the late Cleveland legend Peter Laughner; an oddity, but a worthwhile effort. Bassist Adam Miller and guitarist Mike Morrison sing with full-throated conviction and back it up with hard-edged, textured playing; drummer Dana Penny’s controlled dynamics give the songs an extra kick.

[Ira Robbins]