I know nothing about Johnny Maraca, and yet after two or three songs from his new album with The Marockers, I’m convinced he’s a true rock-‘n’-roll romantic. Little Heart is pure proto-punk, soaked in rock-‘n’-roll tropes and dripping out of a dingy basement—think Johnny Thunders by way of Jack Oblivian.
Little Heart is raw and proudly unpolished, turning its rough edges into a strength. At their core, these songs are fully melodic, and the twinkly guitar bits work like a charm, making it almost impossible not to whistle along. Maraca’s voice sounds duct-taped together, but that lived-in quality only adds character and authenticity to the songs.
There’s a track about a Hot Boy and one about a Bad Girl. There’s a high level of self-awareness too, with the anthem called Shut Up And Play A Rock n Roll Song. The album closes on a high note with Sunflower Kisses.
Little Heart is out now on LP through K Records and Perennial Records.