Sentimental

Founded in 2010 by four high school students in Sens, Burgundy,

not so much a historical cradle of rock, Johnny Mafia has built

over time a relentless reputation as a live band. And in two

albums and nearly 250 concerts, has managed to impose itself at

the top of a new French scene that never ceases to surprise. After

a second album recorded by Jim Diamond (The White Stripes, The

Fleshtones, The Sonics) and widely acclaimed by the specialized

press, it is to the local pointure Kris Banel, behind the handles of

many excellent French punk rock records, that the group turns to

prepare the continuation, recorded in Warmaudio studio in spring

2020. Composed over a much tighter period than their previous

records, the aptly named Sentimental gains in coherence as well

as in intensity. The band moves away from the garage rock that

characterized their previous records, and leaves more room to

major influences of long time, Pixies and Breeders in head. Under

powerful walls of guitars that one would think came straight out

of a time when MTV was still synonymous with coolness, the band

piles up furious tracks with indelible refrains, imbued with an

astonishing pop sensibility that gives all its meaning to the title of

this new record; and tries in passing some judicious arrangements

without losing sight of the essential. Sentimental is one of those

records where you feel that the band knew exactly where they

wanted to go, and that they knew how to do it. A spontaneous,

uncomplicated and particularly enjoyable indie rock album, a real

instant classic as it is not released every day in France.