Reading, PA's John Flywheel were a three-piece rock outfit that dependably produced tough, three-chord rock for over a decade, with nary a lineup change. The band's sole national offering, 1995's indie-released John Flywheel, is a rollicking blast of the trio's Cheap Trick-by-way-of-AC/DC garage rock, but unfortunately did little to carry the band beyond its native stomping grounds, and the band ultimately dissolved in 1997. Guitarist and lead vocalist Jeff Paul formed the band with fellow Reading musicians Keith Smoker (bass and vocals) and Jeff Scott (drums) in the mid-'80s, under the name the Zoo Boys; from the outset, the trio had a tightly focused sound -- mixing indie pop jangle with AC/DC-style power chord riffing, the Zoo Boys sounded at times like a scruffier version of the Smithereens. In an era ruled by hair metal bands and preening virtuosity, the Zoo Boys were an anomaly as they moved into the late '80s; their punchy, instrumental minimalism and flannel-clad anti-glamour was decidedly less fashionable -- and a great deal more credible -- than most of what was happening in Reading at the time, and the band were rewarded with a devoted cult following, not to mention longevity not enjoyed by their peers. Changing their name to John Flywheel in the early '90s, the group eventually inked a contract with the independent Backstreet label in 1995, by which time Flywheel were a seasoned live band. Recording its eponymous debut with minimal production adornments, John Flywheel successfully captured their sinewy sound on its self-titled national release. Flywheel's terse, three-chord minimalism is infused with a melodic sensibility which betrays the band's interest in power pop without sacrificing its punk roots. Following the release of John Flywheel, the band continued to play regionally, including sporadic dates in New York City, but mainly remained in the Reading club circuit, playing to its loyal cult of fans until Flywheel split up in 1997. ~ Andy Hinds, All Music Guide