High energy California Country - John Surge & the Haymakers weave together classic country, rock ’n’ roll, blues and folk styles into a spirited feel good blend, a great fit for any venue from main stage to bar room, listening room to coffee house.
"With exuberance and enthusiasm, Surge and company come across as the ultimate California country rock combo. Hooks, harmonies, joy and jangle are imbued in each entry, resulting in songs that ring with the honesty and independence culled from California West Coast tradition.” - Goldmine
"A cut right to the chase kind of set, this is modern honky tonk for a world where they really don’t have honky tonks anymore–but should. A first class party on a platter.” - Midwest Record
"The hooks evoke Tom Petty in places, while others may echo Dwight Yoakam. While the album mostly rocks and bounces, Surge proves capable of ballad singing on the lush closer 'Long Enough’" - Country Standard Time
"The LP is filled with weathered personalities, pounding the pavement or just trying to get further down the highway to the next luncheonette. Surge explores this environment of California that Tom Waits ignores.” - Americana Highways
“'On Your Wonderful Life,' John Surge blends heady old-school country twang and modern country-rock relishes into delectable sonic concoctions full of infectious washes of color, crowned by polished vocals." - Randall Radic
The New Album "Almost Time"
A longtime member of Los Angeles' roots-rock community, John Surge has spent countless nights onstage, filling the room with a blend of roadhouse country and rocking honky tonk. Between songs, snatches of unfiltered conversation from the audience will make their way to his ears. Almost Time, his second album as frontman of John Surge and the Haymakers, is filled with those barroom tales.
