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'Absolutely brilliant !'
Adam Crowther
BBC Music Introducing
'Talented guy, talented band !'
Simon Berry
BBC Music Introducing
Reviews
Shropshire based artist Jonathan Markwood may not be a name that instantly comes to mind but you may have seen him gracing your TV screen without realising in the likes of Coronation Street, Eastenders and Fresh Meat. It is a combination of Markwood's acting work and love of music that gave him the idea for his successful London based theatre show, The Hoo-Hah Conspiracy Secret Cabaret, which he then decided to introduce to audiences around the country.
Markwood's quirky character based songs soon found favour with BBC Introducing who have featured his music on a number of occasions and festival appearances (Funk In The Forest, Warton Music Festival, Cogwarts Steampunk Festival) have followed as well as success overseas with Jonathan becoming a multi award winner at the JPF World Music Awards over in the US.
'Psychoacusis' is Markwood's fourth album to date has already become something of a staple on
Shropshire's BBC Introducing program and for good reason. The ten track affair is as diverse as it is infectious with nods towards Bowie, Gabriel and Squeeze giving it a quintessentially English feel, but the intriguing lyrical nature and the quirky twists give Markwood a sound very much his own.
A six and half minute opening number would normally be something of a brave move but Markwood's 'The President' intrigues from the off, introduced by an enticing piano melody and military like drum rolls, the track soon spins in a new direction when Jonathan's melodic croon and (Talking Heads like) funk-licked guitar join the mix as Markwood takes a wry look at the Tango Kid running the country across the pond. Tongue-in-cheek lyrics, a delightful side step into Bowie territory and a dramatic orchestral crescendo make for an inspired opening salvo, urging the listener on.
The unfortunate tale of 'Holographic After-Life' follows and is every bit as alluring as the opener, as Markwood regales the story of a wannabe rockstar, rejection and derision over one of those oddly familiar indie pop melodies that'll rattle round your head and burrow deep, demanding to be fed with another spin.
By the time the subtle piano based introduction of 'Clare' morphs into another slab of indie pop perfection, you don't know whether to whack up the volume on your headphones and soak up Markwood's compelling stories, or pull them out and dance round the living room like a loon. Either way you'll still find yourself involuntarily humming the refrain of 'I don't want, want to know you, want to know you in another life'.
As the album continues, Markwood and his cohorts continue to introduce us to a number of compelling characters: one minute we're inhabiting the kind of 'neighbourhood' that Liverpudlian's Space dwell in, to meet 'Nicky Narcissus', the next we're searching for Motorbike Mona over a delicious elastic funk bass. Finally we meet 'Marlana Maid Of Plastic' for a suitably off the wall, indie-pop, love song (of sorts), as Markwood closes Psychoacusis with his tongue firmly in his cheek, his (lyrical) pen sharpened and an insatiable hook.
Jonathan Markwood can add maverick story teller and madcap genius to an already impressive resume. A delight from start to finish.
- Will Munn Slap Mag
‘Hear the sound beat down the door and revel in the appreciation that someone else thinks like you’
- Liverpool Sound & Vision
'Soaring choruses...a festival treat...off kilter, edgy with mainstream feel of Dodgy, Squeeze, Beck & Eels. We owe Hoo-Hah Conspiracy a big thank you for their trouble’
- Leigh Sanders Express & Star Newspaper
'A very enjoyable album...jolts memory to recall great songwriters and producers of a previous era. Track after track of catchy tunes...If you are a fan of Bowie or Talking Heads or Peter Gabriel, 10cc or George Martin's work with the Beatles, then this album will be a perfect addition to your collection. At last, an album that has me singing along to vocals that I don't need lyric sheets to hear or understand...wanting to shake Jonathan Markwood's hand in gratitude for his ingenuity, originality and excellence.'
- Krimson Collective Music Magazine
'Genius...art rock
opera at its best'
Ryan's Gig Guide
'Faultless, clever
pop rock'
Shrop Rocks Magazine
'Talented guy,
talented band !'
Simon Berry
BBC Music Introducing
'The quality of the songwriting is untouchable'
4 The Record
'I LOVE Hoo-Hah Conspiracy !'
BBC Radio Kent
'Maverick story teller and madcap genius'
Slap Mag
'Absolutely brilliant !'
Adam Crowther
BBC Music Introducing
'A pleasure to listen to'
Liverpool Sound & Vision
*****
'Funny, edgy, serious..gonna
be huge!'
The Point FM
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