Hailing from Rijeka, Croatia, Jonathan formed in 2011, and comprises five hugely talented musicians, whose aim is to break down the barriers put up by geography and language.
Jonathan are Zoran Badurina on vocals, drummer Branko Kovačić, Nikica Jurjević (bass), and guitarists Darko Petković, and Tomislav Radinović. They broke onto the Croatian scene in 2013 with their single, ‘Maggie’, and followed it up with their debut album, ‘Bliss’, in May 2014. Jonathan refuse to confine their music to one particular genre, and although they have previously produced alternative and punk music in the past, they define themselves as indie, with a raw sound, and sarcastic lyrics, which they deliver with genuine feeling. Although their music is delivered with pain and angst, there is nonetheless still plenty of room for optimism.
Their latest release, ‘I Never Meant To Be There’, is a strongly delivered alt-rock track with pop and RnB sensibilities. It’s somewhat cross-genre, reminding us all at once of Roxy Music, Barry White, and David Bowie – with many other artists in between. The song comes with a vertigo-inducing music video showing the band on top of some girders against a gorgeous blue sky and scant whisps of cloud. It’s a striking visual with occasional lyrics appearing on screen, as well as special effects which are as appealing and compelling as the song itself.
Jonanthan have found themselves compared to the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Editors, Interpol, Placebo, and The Strokes, but their sound is really quite different, and they hold onto nobody’s coattails, forging their own reputation with sold out concerts in the largest clubs in Croatia, such as the legendary rock club, Palach, or Zagreb’s famous and most popular club, Tvornica Kulture. Performances at important festivals such as Exit Festival, INmusic, Flow Festival Ljubljana, and showcases at Eurosonic in Groningen, Waves Vienna, and Bratislava, as well as supporting Editors on their European tour, have shown that Jonathan are able to stand on their own reputation.
You can find out more about Jonanthan online on their official website, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SoundCloud.
