Basically a high energy rock 'n' roll band, their music also features elements of Memphis soul & rockabilly, although they were more often likened to the more chaotic output of Nick Cave.
After releasing early singles on the Massive label (owned by their manager), they moved on to Clawfist Records, who put out their debut album in 1992. Although the music press were supportive due to their chaotic and energetic performances, the album seemed to lack the edge of their live outings.
Follow-up 'From the Heart of Town' was better received, featuring innovative voodoo rhythms, horns provided by new member Terry Edwards, and lyrics by Johnson that described characters from the seedy side of London, such as 'Jake On the Make' and the tramp from 'Arlington Road'. This would possibly suggest that Tom Waits was also an artist that had influenced their overall sound, although the Birthday Party continued to be the main comparison drawn by the press.
Ironically, in Spring 1994, Johnston was approached by Nick Cave himself to deputise on guitar for Bad Seed Blixa Bargeld, who was unable to fulfil tour duties for a short period. Johnston's continuing links with Cave also saw him appear on Top of the Pops alongside Kylie Minogue.
The band ended 1995 by releasing the 'Traitor's Gate E.P', with the usual themes of love, betrayal, rage and repulsion featuring heavily. 'In the Long Still Night' followed, and was their most accessible album, figuring highly in many end-of-year polls in the music press.
Johnstone released solo material under the guise of J.J. Stone., and later returned with a new line-up to release the 'Blood Is Red E.P.' in 2000.
A new album "Fire Music" was released in March 2002.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE GALLON DRUNK: Nick Cave, Tom Waits, The Birthday Party, P.J.Harvey, Tindersticks, The Doors, Morphine, The Cramps.