Nearing almost two years since the release of their debut album ‘Want’, Australian post-punk quintet Johnny Hunter triumphantly return with their latest offering ‘Frustration’ on May 8th.
Produced by Canadian producer Jesse F. Keeler (of Death From Above and MSTRKRFT), ‘Frustration’ is a synth-laden, pop-infused anthem with the authentic energy of 80s post-punk. Drawing comparisons to the brooding intensity of Joy Division and Bauhaus, the track also channels the glam and bravado of icons like Morrissey and Bowie. Born out of the band’s utter distaste with a world driven by consumerism rather than genuine beliefs, the song juxtaposes its deep political and philosophical commentary against a buoyant, blistering goth rock soundscape that compels listeners to move. Fronted by Nick Hutt‘s bullish, baritone howls, Johnny Hunter weave together a tapestry of musical references and poetic, politically charged lyrics, encapsulating a sound best described as “Nick Cave on overdrive.”
Of the single, lead singer Nick Hutt said“I worked at a pub that had a piano. I would have about an hour of spare time a day before I had to open and wrote the verse lyrics then and there. Wrote a few songs on that piano…cheers BVH. Chorus lyrics came to me when I was running up a massive hill and I was trying not to give up. Xander (guitarist) came to the studio with the bassline and I sang over it. Dakota put his rat magic upon it, Mason guitars and Gerry drums, then we sent it off to Jesse from Death From Above 1979 and MSTRKRFT who turned up the BPM, invited a gospel keys mastermind to help with the chord phrasing in the bridge and made it into the heater you hear today.”
Emerging from the ashes of Sydney’s cultural decline, Johnny Hunter burst onto the underground scene haunting local pubs with their potent blend of obscure cabaret, post-punk, and raw poetry. Their rise was swift, earning cult status in Sydney and selling out venues across the East Coast of Australia and whilst also being voted Best On Ground at Big Sound by Double J. Johnny Hunter have also supported the likes of Jack White and The Saboteurs, The Psychedelic Furs, Kirin J Callinan, City Calmdown, Press Club, Polish Club and Joyride as well as playing festivals such as Yours & Owls, Bad Friday, Festival of the Sun, Mountain Sounds and Secret Garden (where they famously left the PA in flames).
Despite the pandemic halting live performances, Johnny Hunter’s debut EP ‘Early Trauma’ was met with critical acclaim in 2020, leading to a signing with Cooking Vinyl Australia before ever hitting the stage. Their debut album ‘Want’ produced by Jack Moffit (The Preatures) and mixed by Adam Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) , continued their success, earning praise from notable publications like NME, Clash, and Louder Than War.
Fast forward to 2024, and Johnny Hunter, now signed with Hell Beach/Onelove Records and International Talent Booking in the UK alongside heavyweights like Editors and Biffy Clyro, are poised to take on the world. With a fresh lineup and a relocation to the UK, they’re gearing up for global domination. With the upcoming release of their sophomore EP with Canadian producer Jesse F. Keeler and a slot at The Great Escape festival in May, their path to international success is paved with promise.
‘Frustration’ will be available across all streaming platforms from May 8th 2024.
