Johnny Ramos

DooWop DeathBoy

(DooWopDeathBoy Records)

The demonstrative guitar bent Johnny indulges so profitably is surely owed to parentage. His father is icon Kid Ramos, who adds select six-string combustion.

Johnny authored eight of this endeavor's ten tracks. In some passages, he races with single-minded alacrity. Elsewhere, he mines less animated real estate. Much credit is due ace backing band the DooWop DeathBoys. They instill finger-popping verve that flabbergasts.

But that glimpse is insufficient. An extended evaluation is in order.

Johnny's newest teems with Rock'n'Roll exuberance in numerous semblences. Even were that all he offered, he would merit attention.

But the man also unveils a sensitive aspect, one that finds voice in several measured compositions. Just as he is tough, so too is he vulnerable. And that he freely proclaims it bespeaks creative courage.

Through the centuries, poets have explored love in its glories and anguishes. Johnny follows their course and he does so with an open heart. He articulates emotional quandaries to which everyone can relate.

It's a testament to the DooWop DeathBoys' adaptability that they manage suitably subdued accompaniment. The strength potential in understatement leaves an impression.

As thoughtful as he can be, though, Johnny refuses to let pensiveness dominate. It's his high-stepping rocking that grabs up listeners and compels them to swarm dance floors. 

The assertive and brawny sounds demand attention. Wielding his guitar like a ready sidearm, Johnny fiercely blasts. His solos riddle with buckshot devastation.

He and his rugged accomplices have produced a disc at once dynamic and deep. Enter this in the imperative category.

Recommended: "Hooked," "I Want a Girl," "Briana Broke Up the Band," "Teenage Kicks," "Crazy For You," "No One To Know," "Be My Baby," "Jen," "When You Were Mine," "Getting To Know Me"

Video: "I Want a Girl"

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