Jesus Hooligan – ‘Feel’ EP

When Gloria Estefan warned us all that, ‘the rhythm is gonna get you’, I don’t think she ever though it would have this effect…

How can I introduce you to Jesus Hooligan? Think Stomp, but without the budget and all the theatrical bullshit. However, it shocks me how much a group of guys that look as hard, gritty and primal as Jesus Hooligan, can engage so emotionally with a live crowd, and with an entire fanbase.

When Jesus Hooligan creator, Steve Brunton, became ill with throat illnesses, he moved away from singing for Punk bands, and started making sounds whatever which way he could. Being a builder by trade, Brunton found a beat in the things around him – barrels, chains, drills, mallets – anything he could hit to make the sound, and the music, he wanted. The end result was Jesus Hooligan, a band that on any given night can consist from 8 to however many guys, all banging gas canisters, exhaust pipes and playing didgeridoos and slide guitars, somehow creating some damn catchy music.

These guys are a band who used to have harps, thought they were shit, and got another 5 guys hitting barrels with sticks. It’s inspired. Their focus is entirely on rhythm – in music and in people.

And they show passion for their music the real way. Their logo is a drawing of a bunny drawn by Brunton’s son. They play to the residents of care homes, because it’s rewarding and enjoyable for both parties.

They are tribal. Primal. And to them, it’s not about what’s on the outside. It’s not about icons or logos or appearance. They let the music speak for itself, and will play to anybody who is willing to listen, and aim to make their audiences’ blood pulse through their bodies deeper, and hearts  pound faster. Their music aims for a sublime, physical reaction, And they achieve it.

And audience participation is welcomed at their live shows. Get a barrel, get a stick and go freestyle – Brunton believes that this really is a therapeutic process. And listening to the guys certainly does throw a smile on your face, make you want to hulk up like Ultimate Warrior and release as much energy as possible. Now let’s get down to the album;

Feel

1. ‘Old Fashioned Love Song’ – It’s not. Whatever you’re thinking from the title of this track… it’s not. In fact, it’s anything but. The lyrics are mostly a list of the basic, bare minimal things a guy would notice when having sex with a right minx; ‘Whips and chains’, ‘Legs and stuff’, ‘Boots and things’.

But this track is also a great introduction to what the band are all about. Vigour. Fun. Rhythm. Dynamism. Noise – all elements that make Jesus Hooligan so damn entertaining.

2. ‘Rain’ – Not many songs open with an electric guitar/didgeridoo combo – but it works. The bands inclusion of a didgeridoo only helps fuel the aboriginal/tribal essence that makes any person want to throw away their smartphones and Starbucks and revert back to hunting your own food and camp out amongst the stars. What exactly this song is about, I cannot decipher – I’d guess it’s about feeling down and out, but then you’re saved by an energetic and enigmatic performance by a group of guys that hit things… I dunno, that could just be me.

3. ‘Sweat’ – This track opens with a slide guitar solo that will screech through your headphones. We’re then greeted with a rhythmic, two-step slamming of chains and several verses of deep and meaningful lyrics – all of which echo the old work songs of chaingang prisoners. ’A little bit of sweat makes the soul grow easy, a little bit of pain makes the soul grow fine’. Brunton’s unrefined  and hard vocals definitely help add a certain depth to the working-class, ‘times are hard’ tone of this track.

4. ‘James’ Song’ – Going by the band’s name, I’d like to think this song was playing when Moses was tearing shit up in Egypt. The track is simple – repetitive and catchy chants, over a fast paced drumming, syncing together to create a tribal-like, Alternative-Rock hoedown anthem. Light the campfire boys, because it’s time to get topless and sacrifice some cattle. Yeaahhhhhhhhhh!

5.’I Met a Woman’ – ‘She’s got a nose on the centre of her face’ – Ladies, take the compliment. A song where the lyrics take centre stage over the percussion. Whether this song is about meeting the love of your life, or a woman you’re just picking up for the night, it definitely seems to reflect the primitive thoughts and child-like excited feelings (echoed to the track’s closing screams) that go through a guy’s head when he thinks he’s found the perfect woman to mate with.

And the band definitely highlight their light-hearted, comedic side, stating, ‘I met her mother, she looks like a goat, I’d like to skin her and eat her like a goat’. A classic lyric I’ll definitely be jotting down…

Overall, these guys are not the most refined, attractive or well-produced band you’ll ever hear – but there is no challenging their passion and drive for their music and their fans. And I guarantee, if you were at one of their gigs, you’d want to grab a stick, and hit a fucking drum.

Below is a short documentary/live performance the guys did for Hitchin TV – seriously, get to know the guys. ‘As long as I’m breathing, I’ll still be doing this’ – Steve Brunton.

And don’t forget to check them out on their social media pages:

Facebook – Jesus Hooligan

Twitter – @JesusHooligan

Soundcloud – Jesus Hooligan

YouTube – BruntonSteve