A Boise, Idaho transplant, Johnny Bertram sonically channels the influences of the Pacific Northwest’s musical forebears (think Pedro the Lion, The Decemberists, Built to Spill) in his acoustic-based songwriting. His songs are steeped in indie-rock and Americana and filtered through a Deep South lens that generates an interesting perspective and sound.

Bertram’s sophomore effort sees the Portland songwriter and his backing band, the Golden Bicycles, stepping away from the predominant acoustic/folk instrumentation of their debut record, Days That Passed, and plugging in their gear for a more rocking affair. Tracks like Out of the Darkness and Mistake show Bertram moving into moodier, more energetic material than the shiny, happy tunes that carried his debut.

Neon City will be released on April 24th via Esperanza Plantation.

Download Johnny Bertram & The Bicycles – Miracle mp3 (from Neon City)