Album Now Available on
I-Tunes!
Before there was Punk Rock there was Pub Rock. The singularly British rebellion to the mainstream corporate AOR and progressive rock blight coming out of London and California in the mid-to-late 1970’s. As a child of ‘hipster’ parents in Bristol England, Jonny Dongel got his first taste of this new, exciting music.
The bands in this scene were poised to produce some of the biggest stars in the first and second waves of British Punk Rock. The 101er’s gave us Joe Strummer. Riff Raff produced Billy Bragg. Kilburn and the High Roads were Ian Dury’s first group. Some of the artists, such as Elvis Costello, Sniff and the Tears, Wreckless Eric, Squeeze and Dr Feelgood went on to distinguished careers in their own right.
The times were explosive yet fleeting. As Pub became Punk became New Wave the energy and excitement of this era was lost to history. Until Now….. Jonny Dongel has reached back in time, while staying firmly in the present and created an album of melodic anthems that pay homage to the spirit of his youth.
"A Fifth of Nowhere" is a collection of eleven original compositions featuring huge guitar riffs, playful lyrics and sing along melodies like those heard in pubs across Britain for generations. A celebration of working class pride and spirit.
What The World Is Saying About Jonny Dongel
Indie Launchpad - Canada
Nearly every song on this album, has that boozed up, chanting, singalong factor. The last tracks that I can remember sharing this same quality were Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Wonderwall”. “Snocker Snog and Shag” alludes to many a favourite past time and really sets up the album very nicely. The title track “A Fifth of Nowhere” gives more of the same. “The Cause” with it’s high octane guitar and drums, takes a slightly different turn. With it’s slightly harder edge, it’s more rock than punk, but it still has that hallmark sound.
The Next Big Thing - Scotland
"JD has a knack of penning tunes that dad rockers like Weller and his ilk never came close to. Jonny is quite possibly a virtual pop phenomenon. Ostensibly an ex-pat from Bristol exiled in NY it really makes no difference. This Dongel fella has made an album that’ll have you grinning and turning up the car (or home) cd to tilt."
News In Punk - U.S.A.
After listening through the entire album, my favorite song would have to be “Sorry Simon,” the fourth track on the album. Not only was it the first song that gave me a taste of what Jonny Dongel was all about, it has an awesome guitar opening. Plus, with lyrics like “I won’t fall for your ploy, for your sick and twisted joy, I know I’m not your idol, Sorry Simon,” it’s a catchy song that forces you to sing along.
Rhythm & Booze Magazine - U.K.
Jonny Dongel's myspace page features a couple of attitude fuelled punky anthems full of spiky guitars, infectious vocals and the kind of drums that make you want to jump around like a loon.
MSTR - Germany
This is kind of an old school Rock´n Roll Punk Pop for my ears. It´s really so powerful, amazing production and good mix. GREAT ONE! Fighting for the cause - with amazing music! Wow!!!
OSOL - U. S. A.
The song starts with a fantastic sounding, simple, catchy, perfectly toned (any more adjectives?) guitar lick. Add in a driving drum line played on a solidly produced and very tight sounding kit and you have the makings of a hit pop rock song. Whats missing? A catchy vocal composition that enables the listener to sing along the very first time he/she listens to it. Oh wait, that's the next addition to this little gem! Sorry Simon: an alliterative two word deal breaker which I'm assuming is the title of the track. I was humming the melody and signing "sorry, Simon" as soon as the song ended. A+ fellas, you've delivered a 2 1/2 min. ditty that will burrow into its listeners memory as soon as it's heard, whether they like it or not. And I did. So there.
Jonny Dongel - A Fifth of Nowhere Is Available At
Apple I-Tunes (Or Search I-Tunes for Jonny Dongel)
CD from CDBaby.com
MP3 Download from Amazon.com
Album Available Now!!
Jonny
The Creative Team
Album Track Listing
Jonny Dongel was born in Bristol England in 1973 to an English mother and Irish father. He lived in Bristol until his late teens. After ‘Sodding Up’ his “A” levels and any chance at a proper future he moved to London where he spent a decade as a working class hero in nearly every pub and restaurant on the west end. He also bought a guitar and started writing about his experiences chasing “birds” and exploring the old hangouts of the idols of his youth. The Clash, Sex Pistols and Pogues were never far from his mind. These songs were sadly only heard by his closest mates and a few neighbors in his thin walled flat.
In 2001 Jonny made a big move to New York City. The reason for this move isn’t entirely clear other than he was overheard one night saying that it sounded like a smashing place when Shane McGowan sang about it. Once in New York he landed a gig as the guitar player for the Brooklyn based band “Crashed Ashes”. This lasted a few years until he parted company with the band because “That wanker of a singer wouldn’t play any of my stuff”.
After this ill-fated attempt at rock stardom Jonny went back to his room and started writing again. The results are now coming to fruition with the newly released album “A Fifth of Nowhere”. Enjoy the songs previewed on this site.