John Denton releases debut solo track, Not the Same. A blast of summer energy from the very first note. Harnessing a looping, Libertines-esque riff to set the tone and owning a vocal delivery, completely native to the genre. The track captures that proper indie charm. Raw, honest, and full of conviction. Instantly placing you at the heart of a festival crowd, pint in hand, soaking up the sound of a new artist making their mark.
From the outset, the melodies feel soft yet confident. Remaining true to a sound that knows exactly what it wants to be. For those who grew up on noughties indie, there’s an immediate sense of nostalgia, a respectful nod to the influences that paved the way. However, Not the Same still has room to pull further into its own space. It’s important for artists to carve out their own identity rather than be solely compared to the greats. While John undoubtedly has the DNA of an indie star, his unique stamp is still emerging.
In spite of this, there are flashes of individuality. Without a doubt, you’re lying if you say you can’t hear them. Given that he’s only 14, it’s no surprise that his sound is still evolving but that’s an exciting thing as a music fan and as an artist. As he continues to release music, his place in the indie landscape will only become clearer.
The track never feels repetitive or drawn out, truly an underrated skill in songwriting. Its authentic sprinkles are refreshing in a scene that can often feel overcrowded. ‘Manchester Indie’ is undeniably saturated – yet John who hails from Salford – brings an edge that sets him apart. Perhaps it’s his local roots, or simply his natural ability to craft a song that resonates. Nevertheless, Not the Same is one of the stronger tracks to come from any early release from the movement in recent years.
It’s clear John Denton has already made a mark. If Not the Same is anything to go by, he’s got a bright future ahead. Hinting at more singles to follow throughout 2025, I can’t wait to see how John’s sound evolves as he continues to build his solo career.
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