What’s up, rockers! Screaming out of Oakland, CA is Johnny Maraca & The Marockers, the rock ‘n’ roll project of Ian McDonnell. Each riff, drum beat and bass lick is recorded with love by McDonnell (Twompsax). The debut Johnny Maraca release Last Call For Lovin’ was recorded entirely at his home, and the EP’s catchy hooks and raw riffs brought a unique charm that only love songs penned by punks can bring.
For Little Heart (K Records), McDonnell took his love songs to Hayes Waring in Olympia and fine tuned them into a dozen charming tracks that are ready and waiting to be added to the next mixtape you make for your crush. In fact, these songs were all written for mixtapes for sweethearts. Little Heart is fun and sweet, but its rock ‘n’ roll edge and storytelling hearkens back to the power rock era of bands like Cheap Trick and the Go-Gos, which makes it suitable for dive bars or big music halls. You can fall in love anywhere, after all. “Sunflower Kisses” is drenched in sweetness and affection for another, while songs like “Nobody Else” remind you to love yourself just as deeply, and “Hot Boy” is all about finding fulfillment and fun in your community. Cuties, hotties, rockers and lovers rejoice! It’s the season of Johnny Maraca.
Uncle Mike hosts this edition of KALX Live! kicking off at 9pm on Saturday, March 29th. Can’t wait to find out when you can see the band next? They’ll be in San Francisco at The Eagle on April 3rd along with Diesel Dudes and Don’t Ask.
