Just 6 Hours - Sober (EP Review)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Saturday, June 2, 2018

For fans of: Yellowcard, Switchfoot, 3 Doors Down

Just 6 Hours are an alternative rock band based out of Lawrence Township, NJ.  They first caught my attention when MOTO Records sent me their latest release, Sober, which came out March 14th.  I really love what MOTO Records is doing right now, signing a lot of up-and-coming talent out of New Jersey.  MOTO Records' roster is made up of truly impressive bands, and Just 6 Hours is no exception.  Sober is a strong release that deserves attention.

According to their website:

“Just 6 Hours is an alternative rock band originally formed in 2014 by bassist Gordon Sine with fellow students from Music and Arts in Lawrence Township, NJ.  Lead vocalist/guitarist Seth Barnett joined the group in June of 2015 and the band is now based out of Asbury Park, NJ.  A shakeup in the band just before a gig at the Saint in Asbury Park resulted in the addition of Nick Marrotta and Anthony Giordano on lead guitar and drums in the spring of 2017.  With only three 2-hour rehearsals leading up to the Saint show, the reinvented band took the stage and performed a powerful set with only six hours of rehearsal.  Since that first show at the Saint, Just 6 Hours has performed at major venues across NJ including Boontunes, The Brighton Bar, The House of Independents and the Stone Pony.  Just 6 Hours' musical influences include Nirvana, Green Day, Yellowcard, Pierce the Veil, Black Sabbath, Metallica, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  The J6H sound includes lyrics that are thoughtful and emotional along with a combination of powerful rhythms supporting aggressive guitar driven melodies.”

In four short years, Just 6 Hours defined a sound that definitely sets them apart from the rest of their labelmates on MOTO Records.  Barnett’s voice sounds worn-in and like he has been singing his whole life, something that takes most vocalists a lifetime to achieve.  Marrotta’s leads are melodic and totally compliment Barnett’s vocals and rhythm guitar.  Giordano and Sine are as tight as can be as the rhythm section and provide the perfect backdrop for Marrotta’s leads and Barnett’s voice.  My personal favorite track is “Dan.”  This song really showcases Marrotta’s personal lyrics and the variety of dynamics the band is able to achieve.  Sober is a fantastic release for a group that has not been around very long.  I look forward to hearing what Just 6 Hours has in store for us in the future. 

Interview with The Mighty John Caseys

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, June 1, 2018

The Mighty John Caseys are a supergroup duo comprised of Joey Affatato of The Carousers and Johnny Ott of The Cryptkeeper Five.  Both Joey and Johnny are the frontmen of raucous punk bands, but with The Mighty John Caseys they decided to pick up their acoustic guitars and try their hand at folk music.  The sheer power of both of their voices together in a stripped down setting is everything fans of their respective bands could have hoped for.  The group was gracious enough to answer some questions of mine about their new project.  

How did you two decide on the name?

JOHNNY: My grandfather, Joey's great-grandfather’s, name was John Joseph Casey.  We were both named after him... John Joseph Ott & Joseph Casey Affatato

What were your influences for this acoustic project?

JOEY: For me, definitely singer/songwriters like Elliott Smith, The Everly Brothers, and Langhorne Slim.  Although, I love hearing punk bands like The Menzingers do stripped-down acoustic versions of their songs.  That On The Impossible Past acoustic record they have is pretty great.

JOHNNY: I agree with all of Joey;s choices... hmm... geez.

I think most of times I play with an acoustic act, it influences me somehow or another... AND there’s a lot of great local acoustic acts like Doug Zambon and Sammy Kay and Keith Monacchio and Brian Rothenbeck... I could go on forever...

Lately, I’ve been on an Avett Brothers-Brandi Carlile-Johnny Cash/American Recordings kick

What made you want to do an acoustic project?

JOHHNY: I like hearing songs in their rawest, purest form.  You can’t get more stripped down than a dude/or dudes and acoustic guitars.

JOEY: I’ve been on a “folk music” binge now for a while.  Listening to a lot of singer/songwriters and thinking how cool it would be to do something similar.  Specifically, though, I remember Johnny told me to watch that movie Inside Llewyn Davis.  He showed me a scene where it was just Oscar Isaac playing a folk song on stage at a bar.  I was pretty inspired, and it's when I knew him and I should start jamming.

JOHNNY: Such a great movie.

Do you prefer playing live in a loud punk band (i.e. The Carousers), acoustic, or are they two different worlds you can’t compare?

JOEY: It’s hard to compare.  I really enjoy having both projects since they’re so different.  It’s cool to be able to take influences of mine and apply them to both bands!

JOHNNY: I agree, I truly love doing both... I love all the bands I play in... but my heart lies with The Cryptkeeper Five.

What is it like to play acoustic music on a punk bill?

JOHNNY: It’s fun.  I guess as long as the crowd is good, any show is fun.

When can we expect recorded music?

JOHNNY: Soon?  I think?  We’re in the demoing stage right now.

Where can everyone see you live next?

JOEY: No upcoming shows yet, but stay tuned for more content online soon!

JOHNNY: We’re always down to play.  Hit us up at...

JOEY: themightyjohncaseys@gmail.com!

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