The latest melancholic melody from the South Florida neo-goth pair, JOHNSTONSONS, “I Cry,” is their second single this year, and this tearjerker lays its emotional cards on the table quite candidly. This is a love story, clear and simple, conveyed through the repetitious mantra, “We cry. We cry.” Crying is a catharsis, happy or sad, and with this beautiful offering, we fall right in line with its mission.
The magnetic allure of “I Cry” draws you into its embrace, much like the inescapable gaze of an unseen observer, leaving you entranced in its charm. Bathed in romantic undertones and delivered with a soft vocal touch for the song’s intimate narrative. As the voyeuristic lyrics echo through the melody, there’s an insinuated promise that someone’s watching—through your trials, your growth, your journey to self-realization.
Who is this benevolent spirit keeping tabs on our day to day lives? The band imagines it to be not a loved one who has passed on, but a baby that has yet to manifest in the mortal world. For those who hope – or once hoped – to be parents, but the opportunity never came to fruition, the concept can be quite heavy.
“I don’t have a kid, but the idea has come up more often as I get older, probably not a unique thing in my life,” says the artist. “As we all grow up and shed our youth, tradition tries to dictate certain responsibilities. There’s some of that for sure, not wanting to be told what to do by anybody, but there’s also a sort of longing for this type of relationship or responsibility. I’ve only recently heard the term “spirit babies” and the idea that if or when we have children that they are already with us now was a really interesting phenomenon whether anyone signs off on it or not. And I suppose I felt it weighing on me enough to just… cry.”
Watch the video for “I Cry” below:
Reverberating with an uncanny semblance to the eerie suburbs from a David Lynch classic, JOHNSTONSONS teases your consciousness just enough to provoke a double glance. Conjuring associations with the subversive titling of iconic bands like The Melvins or The Smiths, the moniker of the band cunningly flouts the drab and antiquated mores of the Midwest that it seemingly represents. “A name so simple, yet difficult to pronounce,” the band explains.
This bizarre simplicity lures you into their labyrinth of sound—an intriguing blend of neo-goth, post-wave, and pop music. It comes across as a cryptic jest but never loses sight of the joy embedded in the timeless structures of romantic pop. Their sonic craft manifests in catchy choruses, towering outros, hinting at a captivating sense of humor—JOHNSTONSONS finds beauty in the odd, the defiant, and the unapologetically pop.
JOHNSTONSONS have etched their name into the bedrock of the Florida music landscape, providing invigorating opening performances for acclaimed acts such as Xeno & Oaklander and Cathedral Bells. They are also lined up to share the stage with the titan of Electronic Body Music, MVTANT, along with a slew of other dynamic local talents. Carving their niche in the live scene requires a blend of patience and perseverance, traits JOHNSTONSONS are proud to embody. Their vibrant sets have become a mainstay at techno and punk shows alike, testament to their versatility and relentless energy.
If you’re in the vicinity of South Florida, don’t miss the chance to witness this dynamic duo in action at local clubs. But be quick, as the clock is ticking. They’re preparing to embark on a new chapter in Detroit come next year.
Catch JOHNSTONSONS live, opening for MVTANT:
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