The House at Night is a delicate study of childhood memories, familial relationships and parental angst, that places Johannes’ poetic forte at the front and centre of the North East hip hop scene. Crafted within an almost Lynchian framework, the album delves into a myriad of themes that range from the surreal to the all too real. Dreams and fears; pressures and expectations; nostalgia and present day realities; all of these are explored across 14 songs that underscore Johannes’ reputation as the “Alan Bennett of hip hop”. Orbiting in the same rap galaxy as transatlantic counterparts Serengeti and R.A.P. Ferreira, Johannes unloads his bars with a seemingly casual delivery that disarms the listener and eases them into the depth of his lyricism. For the production, Johannes has reunited with Hartlepool native, Neocia, whose previous collaborations feature a broad spectrum of artists, including Melanie Baker, Maius Mollis, Benjamin Fitzgerald, John Dole and Spell Token. Neocia and Johanness’ first collaboration, Ultra Deep, was released back in March and hinted at the chemistry that the duo would be injecting into their full-length effort. Hailed by NARC Magazine as a masterpiece and receiving support from BBC 6 Music, the track was the ideal introduction to their music and the themes it examines. Neocia’s approach on The House at Night is the perfect counterpoint for Johannes’ words, using electronic soundscapes and handmade samples to bring even more atmosphere to the album. From the blissful, syncopated tones of Auto-Reversing and the woozy head-nod-inducing joy of Plan Your Dreams, to the muted burst of Tony Rossinger and the melancholy texture of Two Thousand Ten, every beat is scene-setting perfection. Vocal work from Clare Hargan on three tracks completes the picture, bringing the album to its envisioned final form. credits releases October 11, 2024 Tim – Rapper / wordsmith Jon – Sampler, Programmer, Synthesiser, Drum Machine, Bass Guitar, Piano, Electric Guitar, Arranger, Engineer, Mixer, Producer and all round musical genius Clare Hargan – backing vocals Phobias
