Career Defining
Most recently, John Wesley has performed as a sideman, guitarist/vocalist for critically acclaimed UK based recording act Porcupine Tree, during the In Absentia, Deadwing, Fear of a Blank Planet, and The Incident world tours. He has performed in the band for nine years, culminating in 2010 with sold out performances at Radio City Music Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. In 2013, Wesley toured as lead guitarist with Simon Collin's Sound of Contact to support the Dimensionaut album. Wesley has also toured the U.S. and Europe extensively to support his independent releases – performing as opening act for Marillion, Fish, Porcupine Tree, Sister Hazel, and Blackfield. We implore you to dig out a copy of an album John appeared on in 2009 by Tilt – Million Dollar Wound the review is still knocking around on RoomThirteen!
Disconnect is the opening track and single from the album. The concept behind the video was to touch upon a sci-fi story about a man who was 'overdrawn' at the Memory Bank, a place you could go to when you had to 'disconnect' from a painful memory, but at the risk of losing your mind...
It has all the ethereal qualities of the like of the now defunct Porcupine Tree, and Disconnect fits nicely in this genre. But, think more in the creative vein of Rush and Pink Floyd, than the likes of Genesis, Yes and Tull. Wesley is certainly one hell of a capable guitarist and his solos just ebb and flow like the oncoming tide in Somerset!!! (British humour). Any Old Saint is just an immense slice of rock proficiency. Wesley wrings some sweet notes on what can only be described as a quite monstrous and delightful guitar solo. His voice isn't the strongest, but he's no slouch either. Sing to your strengths? Absolutely!
Wesley managed to rope in Rush legend Alex Lifeson for Once A Warrior. The guitar refrain reminiscent of Spoonman by Soundgarden, mixed together with Rush era Hemispheres, the result being one classy affair. Lifeson is definitely at his best when he has his rock hat on! Window is as likely a radio friendly song as you're going to get on Disconnect and shows another side to Wesley. As you can tell, Disconnect is white hot. He has had a musical epiphany, not worrying about what is prog and what isn't, if it feels right, do it, and 'do it' he has, with bells and with knobs on! It's just one consistent belter after another. Mary Will has that kind of film soundtrack feel to it, a broody darker piece that would enhance any cinematic mood.
John Wesley has surpassed anything he has done previously, a remarkable album with some truly excellent guitar work at the forefront, with experimental textures and arrangements that will make Disconnect stand out from the bunch. Why use one effects pedal, when you can use them all...!
It will leave fans new and old desperate to see what he will do next time around, as this will take some beating. Definitely a must for fans or The Tree, Floyd and Von Herzen Bros.