John McDonough combines his veteran singer/songwriter status with his self-confessed obsession for the story of a legendary athletic achievement that took place in the mid-30s to craft an engaging EP of fresh sounds, crisp production, impassioned vocals, and sharp storytelling.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, John McDonough is a singer/songwriter who has a career that spans nearly three decades, having spent most of it performing in and around Austin, Texas, before relocating in 2020 to Chicago. McDonough is a closely followed name in the country/Americana/folk circles, having managed to emerge into the limelight with a streak of successful singles, released between 2014 and 2019. He also managed to attract favorable comparisons between his passionate singing and that of Elton John and Van Morrison and between his compelling storytelling abilities and those of Damien Rice and James Blunt.
We’ll Answer the Call is the title of McDonough’s latest concept EP that recounts the story of Joe Rantz, legendary American rower, and his leading of the Washington Husky rowing team all the way to winning the gold medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Having come from a broken home, and having pushed himself through high school and through a blend of difficulties, until he reached self-actualization, leading a team of Olympic rowers to win Olympic gold, Joe Rantz is one of athletic history’s unsung heroes.
On the titular track, we hear John McDonough’s curious acoustic guitar progression lead us into a gently rocking folk arrangement that’s imbued with a sense of adventure, courtesy of driving beats and powerful vocals, and a sense of grandeur, courtesy of a plush grand piano accompaniment. And with commendable production, we see every element of the composition fall neatly into place, giving the sound of this song a sense of sonic completion, and combined with the soulfully sung story, and the rich instrumental performances, the result is a fully engulfing musical experience. We’ll Answer the Call is an exciting, well-paced chapter of John McDonough’s latest storytelling EP. Shedding light on the life of an inspirational man, and done with the tact and grace of an experienced musician and singer, it’s a fulfilling experience packed with rewards.