Don't Tell John

[Translated to English from Spanish]
DON'T TELL JOHN RELEASES POWERFUL NEW SONG “GRANDAD”

San Francisco Bay Area Rock Band Brings Multigenerational Energy to the Scene

San Francisco, CA – October 17, 2024 – San Francisco Bay Area rock band Don't Tell John is proud to announce the release of their latest single, “Grandad,” available now on all stores. streaming platforms. With this song, the band continues to deliver their signature guitar-driven sound, blending gritty rock with heartfelt lyricism in a way that only a multi-generational band could.

Don't Tell John is a unique family band, bringing together two brothers and the next generation of rock talent. The Larkin brothers, Mark and Jack, have reunited from their '90s band, Nathans Hand, this time bringing the next generation of Larkin into the movement, Veronica on vocals and William on guitar, with Jon Protass on percussion and Eric Cretarolo on lead guitar. Veronica's powerful and raw voice has already been compared to rock legend Janis Joplin. In fact, fans on YouTube have praised the band's music video for "Grandad," describing Don't Tell John as a "female-led Soundgarden," with undeniable stage presence and energy.

“Grandad” is a heartfelt and dynamic tribute that showcases the band's hard rock sound and its singer's exceptional vocal prowess. The song explores themes such as loneliness and the passage of time, making it a deeply personal yet universal song for listeners of all ages.

The music video for “Grandad” is available on YouTube, and the song is available for streaming on Spotify, Soundcloud, and other major platforms. Fans of high energy, high emotion rock won't want to miss this release.

For more information, follow Don’t Tell John on their social media channels and visit their official YouTube channel to watch their latest music videos. - Rock and Birra

TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH

Don't Tell John
Blues - Rock & Roll

From the United States we get material from the musical project "Don't Tell John", which is made up of a rotating cast of friends and family who have played together for decades, led by singer "Veronica Larkin". They are characterized by having a mix of blues rock and roll with a 90s feel.

The band's energy is harsh and loud with a sensual, rhythm-oriented backbone. "Grandad" is a spectacular song that has a very refined sound, with dark nuances that also remind us of the music of the seventies. The voice and interpretation of the vocalist does not go unnoticed, she has a unique register and power that meshes very well with the instrumental section that does an equally spectacular job.

It is one of those songs that makes us listen to it over and over again. The chorus part gives it a very special touch, we really like the guitar riff and the punch that the drums have. At the recording level, they have managed to balance the classic sound without wasting the benefits of modern production to deliver high-quality work. Without a doubt, it is a band that invites us to learn more about its musical catalog. - CR Indie

The American hard rock and classic rock band Don't Tell John has just released the video for the song “Grandad”, which can now be seen on the group's official YouTube channel.

Released on October 17, this is the group's latest single and their third studio work this year, which also released “Sweet Virginia” and “Watching You”.

“Granded” is as if Led Zeppelin were still active today and releasing new material, a song that brings all the melancholy of seventies blues/hard rock but with a heavier, almost grunge delivery, standing out due to the powerful voice of its vocalist.

Dont Tell John is a rock band, a mix of vibe and influences from 90s rock, and today features vocals from one of his daughters, Veronica, who is only 25 years old and has a lot of attitude, completing the quintet format that the band is today. - Roadie Music

Don’t Tell John’s take on Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You” isn’t just a cover; it’s a reimagining. This San Francisco band, known for their blend of blues-infused rock and 90s indie vibes, has taken this classic and imbued it with their own unique magic. And the centerpiece of this captivating spell is Veronica Larkin’s powerhouse vocal performance.

Also read: ‘Jake’ by Don’t Tell John: A Gritty Tale of Heartache and Resilience

Larkin’s voice is truly something special. It’s haunting, raw, and utterly magnetic, just as their pitch suggests. She doesn’t just sing the song; she inhabits it, channeling the raw emotion and intensity of Hawkins’ original while adding her own distinct flavor. It’s a performance that will send chills down your spine.

But it’s not just Larkin’s vocals that make this cover so compelling. Don’t Tell John’s instrumental arrangement is equally impressive. The band’s signature hard-hitting energy and sultry, groove-oriented backbone provide the perfect foundation for Larkin’s vocals to soar. And the guitar solo? It’s a masterclass in blues-rock guitar playing, adding another layer of depth and intensity to the track.

This cover comes on the heels of their successful release “Grandad,” and it’s clear that Don’t Tell John is building momentum. They’ve been making waves in the Bay Area with their dynamic live performances, and their online following is steadily growing. With a series of singles planned leading up to their debut album in the fall, it’s clear that Don’t Tell John is a band to watch.

Also Read: ‘Grandad’ by Don’t Tell John: A Must-Listen for Rock Fans in 2024

“I Put A Spell On You” is a powerful and captivating rendition of a classic song. Don’t Tell John has managed to capture the essence of the original while adding their own unique stamp. It’s a haunting and beautiful track that showcases the band’s talent and leaves you wanting more. If you’re a fan of blues rock, indie music, or just great music in general, you need to hear Don’t Tell John’s “I Put A Spell On You.” They’ve definitely put a spell on us. - Korliblog

"Don't Tell John", un proyecto norteamericano que ha ido ganando reconocimiento, es uno de esos nombres que merece atención. Su tema "Star Emoji" es una pieza que encapsula la sensibilidad moderna con una mezcla de nostalgia y frescura.

El proyecto, se mueve en un espectro sonoro que combina elementos del indie rock, el pop alternativo y matices de synthwave, creando una atmósfera envolvente. Su música se caracteriza por melodías pegajosas, letras introspectivas y una producción que equilibra lo orgánico con lo digital.

"Star Emoji" es un tema simplemente encantador, desde el inicio nos transmite un poco de melancolía pero con un tono esperanzador. La voz cobra protagonismo y brilla con una base minimalista que sabe darle protagonismo a la voz, para luego explotar en secciones puntuales logrando un gran juego con la tensión del tema. Nos agrada como la banda logra un increíble equilibrio en sus composiciones, logrando un material atractivo y de alta calidad.

La canción está muy pulida, pero mantiene una sensación de cercanía, la mezcla de sintetizadores con guitarras suaves crea un paisaje sonoro que se siente etéreo pero accesible. La voz, ligeramente procesada con efectos sutiles, refuerza la sensación de introspección y anhelo A nivel de producción no tenemos mucho que agregar, es un trabajo impecable y con un sonido depurado, que denota el gran trabajo que tiene la banda a la hora de grabar sus temas. Sin duda es un proyecto que recomendamos explorar y conocer. - CR_Indie

Área de la Bahía de San Francisco, 8 de abril de 2025 — La dinámica banda familiar Don’t Tell John se enorgullece de anunciar el lanzamiento de su último sencillo, «Star Emoji», disponible ahora en las principales plataformas de transmisión. Este es el tercer sencillo de la banda en los últimos seis meses, destacando su prolífica creatividad y evolución de sonido.

«Star Emoji» representa una cautivadora desviación del estilo bluesrock característico de la banda, abrazando un ambiente más jazzístico enriquecido con melodías intrincadas, secciones de vientos vibrantes y exuberantes armonías vocales. Este enfoque innovador se teje a la perfección con sus riffs de guitarra característicos y su sección rítmica firme, ofreciendo a los oyentes una experiencia sonora fresca pero familiar.

Formado durante el verano de 2021, Don’t Tell John es un conjunto multigeneracional único procedente del Área de la Bahía de San Francisco. El grupo cuenta con los hermanos Mark y Jack Larkin, veteranos de la banda de los 90 Nathans Hand, que se han reunido para crear música con la próxima generación de Larkins: Veronica en la voz y William en la guitarra. La formación se completa con el percusionista Jon Protass y el guitarrista principal Eric Cretarolo. Esta colaboración familiar infunde a su música una mezcla distintiva de experiencia y energía fresca.

Los lanzamientos anteriores de la banda han sido aclamados por la crítica, y su sencillo «Grandad» ha sido elogiado por su conmovedora narrativa y profundidad musical. Click Roll Boom la describió como «una canción conmovedora y poderosa que refleja su identidad única como una banda multigeneracional», señalando la «explosiva introducción de guitarra» de la canción y la «intensidad conmovedora» de Veronica.

Del mismo modo, Bored City destacó la dinámica de apoyo de la banda, afirmando: «Como banda familiar, nos apoyamos mutuamente y sacamos lo mejor de cada uno. En la banda y en la vida». - Rock and Birra

In the vast American indie rock scene, there are bands content to follow tried-and-tested formulas and others who dare to challenge expectations. "Don't Tell John" falls into the latter category.

With raw energy and an electrifying stage presence, this band, led by vocalist Veronica Larkin, has built a sonic identity that fuses blues with alternative rock, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Since its inception, "Don't Tell John" has embraced a blend of influences ranging from '90s rock to the most visceral blues. Their music is characterized by powerful guitar riffs, a solid rhythmic foundation, and Larkin's powerful vocals, which provide an emotional intensity that's hard to ignore.

It's not a band that strives for polished perfection; their appeal lies in the authenticity and unbridled energy they convey in every performance. One of the songs that best encapsulates the essence of "Don't Tell John" is "Hard Luck." This song is a testament to the band's ability to combine rawness and sensitivity in the same piece.

From the first chord, "Hard Luck" establishes a melancholic yet defiant tone, with instrumentation that evokes the constant struggle against adversity. The song's structure is simple but effective: a guitar riff that repeats with subtle variations, a bass line that sustains the emotional weight, and drums that precisely set the rhythm.

However, the true protagonist is Larkin's voice, which glides between despair and determination. The lyrics speak of life's blows, of the bad luck that seems to haunt the protagonist, but also of resilience and the will to move forward.

On a production level, what makes "Hard Luck" special isn't just its message, but the way the band delivers it. There are no unnecessary embellishments or over-production; everything is in service of pure emotion. It's a song that feels honest, as if every note and every word were ripped straight from the musicians' souls.

If you're someone who enjoys discovering music that doesn't follow established rules, "Don't Tell John" is a band that deserves your attention. They don't seek to fit into passing trends or replicate commercial sounds; their approach is genuine, visceral, and full of character. If this is your first time listening to the band, we recommend checking out their catalog and learning more about it. You won't regret it. - CR Indie

The American Alternative Rock and Hard Rock band called Don’t Tell John has just released a great work. It’s the song Hard Luck (2025), featured on the EP of the same name that the band has just released. - .Rockstage Brasil

There are songs that, due to their power and how loud they sound, should be contained to prevent them from causing some kind of disaster. However, trying to contain this new song from Don't Tell John would be impossible, and there would be numerous casualties who would fall, defeated and crushed by this sound. This heavy, dense alternative rock style, if you're not used to listening to it, would have to take a seat and strap yourself in so you don't fly away.

In this complex and highly inspired texture, we can notice similarities with great bands on the scene, with an extremely powerful and energetic female voice that showcases all her ability and talent. She holds nothing back, and in order to not clash with the instrumentation, I honestly think she shouldn't. When you finish listening to this song, you won't be able to help but feel a kind of electric shock running through every fiber of your being and stimulating each of your senses, so you can return to your activities with a vigor you probably didn't know you had until now. - https://www.rockolaindie.com/2025/06/dont-tell-john-hard-luck.html

From the first chord, this song hits with the force of 100 hurricanes with super dense distorted guitars that bring us a relentless and forceful rhythm that digs deep into the mind. It is a style of alternative rock that shares similarities with one of the best bands that this genre has had the honor of having in its ranks, I am referring to none other than Audioslave. In addition, the vocal performance also sounds very similar to that of the legendary Chris Cornell and I am not saying this just for the sake of it, since he will always be one of my favorite artists, the power and passion in his voice seem to have been inherited by the vocalist of this band, who also shares certain characteristics with the style handled by Lizzy Hale, another great rocker with a powerful voice.

The raw yet highly polished production allows you to feel a kind of electrifying energy where you can appreciate each element in an atmosphere that can only be described as being in the middle of a relentless thunderstorm. At first, it may seem intimidating, but once you get used to it, you can't help but feel a euphoria that is equally overwhelming and stimulating. - Indie Treasures

SSROCK is pleased to present our detailed review of the new track “Hard Luck” by the band Don’t Tell John, which once again receives our seal of approval. After the impact of the first single, which already guaranteed the band its place as a great revelation, this new work maintains the level of excellence and confirms the group’s potential in the modern rock scene.

From the moment the guitars appear, there is a brightness and forcefulness that never overshadows the other instruments. The drums deliver weight and a firm pulse, while the bass sustains the base with depth; all members demonstrate total dedication, resulting in a creative, balanced and intense arrangement in each passage. This cohesion reveals not only technical ability, but also sensitivity to build textures that sustain the dark and captivating atmosphere proposed by the track.

The female vocals, with their husky timbre and high range, fit perfectly into the mood of the song. Her performance brings personality and raw emotion, contrasting and at the same time dialoguing with the layers of guitar and rhythm, creating dynamics that surprise and capture the listener’s attention. The backing vocals, used sparingly, support the main voice in a coherent manner, adding depth without compromising the clarity or expressive strength of the message.

The production and mixing demonstrate professionalism: the mastering enhances the clarity and definition of each instrument, ensuring that the guitars, drums and vocals stand out in the space without competing with each other. The result is a cohesive and polished sound that conveys the thematic intensity of “Hard Luck” with clarity and impact.

The lyrics, which deal with the struggle against addiction and its devastating effects, are a powerful call for balance and overcoming. Although a more in-depth analysis requires having the full text in hand, the video clip – directed with care and high aesthetic quality – reinforces and extols this message, showing visuals that convey the urgency and emotion of the narrative. This audiovisual combination elevates the track, making it even more memorable.

In terms of potential, “Hard Luck” has all the attributes to stand out as the lead single on an album or EP. Its “road” atmosphere and the feel of an action movie soundtrack give the song an energy that fits perfectly in final scenes of adventure or tense climaxes, and can serve as a soundtrack in audiovisual productions that seek emotion and overcoming. In addition, the comparison with references to modern rock and elements of blues rock suggests that it appeals to different audiences, expanding the opportunities for promotion.

The premiere of “Hard Luck” on SSROCK’s programming will take place on the Summer Sun and Sea program, at the times established for new tracks: Monday through Saturday and Friday, at 7 am, 12 pm and 5 pm, and Sundays at 7 am, 12 pm and 6 pm (Brasília time). With this, we will bring this track full of energy and meaning to our listeners, contributing to expanding the reach of the release.

We are immensely grateful to Don’t Tell John for sending us this musical gift. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our followers: if you do not follow SSROCK yet, follow us @ssrockoficial on Instagram to stay up to date with all the news, playlists and live broadcasts. - SSRock

Bay Area rockers Don't Tell John released their most unapologetic single so far in "Hard Luck," it's a bruiser from start to finish. Today, June 17, the new track fuses blues' gritty sentiment with a raw, unfiltered rock ethos delivered by one of music's gruffest, most dominating voices. There's no gloss or frills and, indeed, no pretense. Raw emotion poured into a record that speaks to anyone who's had to claw their way through life's rougher patches.

Central to "Hard Luck" is its lead singer, Veronica Larkin, whose voice rips through the mix like a tempest. There's weight and soul in every word she sings, tapping into the angst and urgency of 90s grunge but from a perspective entirely her own. She has her fans.; "Female-fronted Soundgarden" is probably onto something, but there's more to all this than vocal firepower. Larkin has a world-weary believability that has been earned rather than borrowed.

"Hard Luck" takes a bluesy swagger that could sound at home on a dive bar jukebox or a midnight cruise with the windows down. The guitars snarl, the rhythm section stomps, and everything feels tight but not tame, the kind of equilibrium that can be achieved only by a band that has lived inside its sound long enough to learn to trust it.

"Hard Luck" is a fulfilled band unafraid to let their scars show and sing through the fire. For fans of grungy alt-rock, blues-rock hybrids, or great, old-fashioned rock vocal cords, this one cranked high is worth digging into. It's a tribute to the enduring presence of straightforward songwriting and the type of music that smacks you in the chest before it ever lands in the charts. - HypeHub