Review by DMMC volunteer, Devin Wren

John June Year is part of the thriving music scene in Cedar Falls/Waterloo area via Clinton, Iowa. They are a 5 piece band with 2 guitarist, keyboards, bass and drums.

They have been attracting a lot of attention in music circles and recently released an EP that was produced by Brandon Darner of Envy Corps. 

So what do we get from Pop Sucker? What we get is some very catchy music with tight songs that rock. The EP starts with “Hollywood” and this song immediately draws you in and gets you tapping your feet. The next song “Best Dressed Mess” starts very much like Hollywood but after the first bar becomes its own song. The song is what you want to sing after a romance has gone bad and it has an energy that makes you feel like it is going to be alright and really you are better off. The EP ends with “Wish to Sell”  which is a nice slice of dream pop that slows things down only slightly.

This is the type of music you put in your car and next thing you know you are moving along at 20 miles over the speed limit. You can hear so many Indie and Pop influences and yet they have a unique sound that is distinctly their own. “Pop Sucker” is a perfect name for this EP as it gives you a taste of their catchy music and leaves you wanting more. I, for one, cannot wait to hear the full length CD they are working on now with Mr. Darner.

Catch them for yourself at The Maintenance Shop in Ames on tonight or  Gas Lamp in Des Moines on January 30.