John & Jehn

John & Jehn

John & Jehn are an indie rock duo from Angoulême, France, formed in 2005 by Camille Berthomier and Nicolas Congé. They remain active from 2006 onwards and are also known by the names Jehnny Beth and Johnny Hostile.

Background

The pair meet in Angoulême before moving to London at the end of 2006. Their debut album appears in April 2008 on the independent label FMM (Faculty Music Media). Much of that record is made in their bedroom, and it receives critical acclaim.

Style and influences

Their music uses shadowy, haunting melodies and draws on a wide range of influences, including Serge Gainsbourg, The Velvet Underground, Jean-Luc Godard, Gang of Four, John Fante, Joy Division, Jacques Brel and Johnny Cash.

Later activity

After two record deals, the group experiences an identity crisis and does not break through commercially. From that point, both members concentrate mainly on other projects. Those projects include Savages, the band formed by guitarist Gemma Thompson, in which Jehnny Beth becomes lead singer and Nicolas Congé continues as producer.