DOWNLOAD: Johnny Action Figure - "Barnstomp" (from Good Eye)

Power-pop band Johnny Action Figure released their third CD, Good Eye, earlier this year but I'm afraid that this disc "fell through the cracks" so I'm just now getting around to writing a review.

While the members of Johnny Action Figure are fairly young, Good Eye (twelve-track/50 minute) is a well-crafted slab of 70's inspired pop. Each track stands well on its own but the band's sound shifts across this disc as they draw on a number of influences so it is difficult to put a genre label on the band's music. Where it gets interesting is that Johnny Action Figure has the pop sensibilities of Glenn Tilbrook/Squeeze, they sing in three-part vocal harmonies which make me think of both The Eagles and The Beach Boys and the band's use of horns, keyboards and fluid guitar breaks has a 70's AOR feel that gives them a sort of a Steely Dan vibe. Adding to the Steely Dan comparison, Johnny Action Figure's lyrics are both smart and smarmy.

Johnny Action Figure has already performed with artists such as Wilco, Pete Yorn, and The Get Up Kids and the band is planning a Spring tour to promote this new disc.



Here is Johnny Action Figure's upcoming tour dates:

Mar. 24, 2010 -- 9:00PM, Silk City, Philadelphia, PA
Mar. 30, 2010 -- 9:00PM, The Blockley (FREE SHOW), Philadelphia, PA
Apr. 09, 2010 -- 8:00PM, Puck, Doylestown, PA
Apr. 17, 2010 -- 6:00PM, Launch Music Conference, Lancaster, PA
Apr. 24, 2010 -- 8:00PM, Boondocks, York Haven, PA
Apr. 28, 2010 -- 10:00PM, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsberg, PA

Links:
Johnny Action Figure