For lovers of roots music, WHITE LINEN is an undoubted must-have. From the rocking opener ‘Little One’ to the final, narrative acoustic vibe of ‘Patriot Song’, this album represents a thrilling and often moving musical journey. Take for example the down-tempo and reflective ‘Edge Of December’ with its grand vocal, telling piano notes and wonderful lyrics, or my album favourite, the utterly beautiful, moving and epic ‘Cold Chill’ with its Beatle-esque influences, and reflective instrumental passages - one of the finest songs I’ve heard in 2010. The band has thrown everything at this album and in the process have created music that should see them conquer North America and Europe, given airplay and a fair wind. Other highlights pepper this record, including opening moody country-rocker ‘Little One’, the more overtly country ‘Edge Of December , rootsy and edgy  ’Hit The Floor’ and the haunting, sad and romantic ballad ‘Good Man.’

And if that’s not enough, there’s the cautionary country rocker ‘Empty Pockets’ and regretful road song ‘Dawson City.’ Yup, you got it… this record is full of winners and devoid of fillers. Rey Sabatin’s vocals are magical as he negiotiates every mood of this diversely paced record. The instrumentals are faultless with astute production which allows vocals and instruments enough individual space to shine. And if you don’t believe me on just how good this record is, check out the other band reviews below. The album is released on the 6th June, and is available to order now from Amazon. Essential.

4.5/5

“If Gram Parsons, Neil Young, The Band and Otis Redding had an orgy…You might get something like this.”
- Chart Magazine

“The John Henrys’ Sweet as the Grain is a rootsy masterpiece.”
- Allan Wigney - Ottawa Sun

“Charming, traditional without being old-fashioned and suffused with a sweet innocence that makes you want to clutch them to your rhinestone-clad bosom”
- Jenni Cole, www.musicomh.com

“Rich in depraved lyrics and similarly filthy guitar licks, it’s rock ‘n’ roll as rock ‘n’ roll was intended. Loud, dirty and proud!”
- The Bluesbunny - Independent Music Reviews www.bluesbunny.com

“Though these good ol’ boys have the country-rock idiom down to a T, It’s clean and pristine sounding and the song tracking has a good flow. So far, these guys are definitely my top Canadian discovery of the year”.
- Martin Siberok, HOUR.CA

“The John Henrys definitely sit in the Roots vein, many of them in fact, and they happily plunder so many styles and forms that they could almost be a Roots jukebox on their own.”
- Andy Snipper, www.music-news.com

“From the country fare of The Byrds and the Stones to The Flying Burrito Brothers and Waylon Jennings, Ottawa’s The John Henrys wear their influences proudly and they wear them damn well. That’s why Sweet As The Grain is such a gas from start to finish.”
- Calgary Herald

“Loud, powerful, and thoughtfully mixed. Sounds good. Like Tom Petty, The Kinks, Matt Mays, and Stompin’ Tom”
- Mary Beth Carty, Penguin Eggs

“The John Henrys are poised to become a force within the Canadian roots music scene.”
- Jason Schnieder, Exclaim!

“The Ottawa group has the cosmic country-rock sounds of Gram Parsons-era Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers down to a science. Sweet little bits of heartache underneath pedal steel and raucous barroom sing-alongs… what’s not to love?”
- iTunes

www.thejohnhenrys.com