Lonely Dakota was originally the brain child of Paul 'PJ' Jackson and started life as an Indie band on
the Southampton and London circuits, receiving moderate success supporting acts like Lonely The Brave,
but PJ's passion and influence had always been for rock music...
In December, 2015 PJ set to realize his vision with an LD infused with cutting and melodic lead guitar with
mammoth power chords, thunderous bass, technical but driving drums and gritty vocals.
In January, 2016 Luke 'VonDee' Varndell would meet Jackson and a rabble of other musicians in a damp
would be studio' in the arse end of nowhere to audition for lead vocals. Having prepared lyrics beforehand,
the band quickly began to meld together and fan favourite 'Medication' began to take form. VonDee had never
fronted a band before, having previously been a solo acoustic act, and felt naked without his own guitar around his neck.
However, with the support and encouragement of Jackson, his confidence, ability and range grew. In a moment that
would have made Marty McFly proud, they had both found 'that new sound' they had been looking for.
In April, 2016 Lonely Dakota would release their first single, "On The Rise." recorded at the Ranch Production House.
It received local radio success and LD went on to play a string of shows with supporting acts such as SOiL,
Wilson, and Reigning Days. Later the same year, they released their second single, "Low Life," via Revolver Records,
but continual changes to the line-up saw the momentum dwindle. Due to disagreements and other commitments, the band
lost its rhythm section.
Not to be deterred, and wanting to preach their songs to the masses, Jackson and VonDee set about reconstructing and
breathing new life into LD. Terry 'Tez' Jenvey would join the band in the Summer of 2017 providing thunderous bass guitar
and giving a new momentum to the band. In November, 2018 LD returned to the Ranch Production House,
with producer Kurt Fagan, to record their new Southern Rock ballad 'Dead Stories'. This would go on to receive national
airplay on Planet Rock's 'The New Rock Show', with Wyatt Wendels.
LD once again began to gather traction on the local scene developing a loyal and growing fan base.
In February, 2019 Lonely Dakota would become fully formed into the Southern Rock Powerhouse it is today with the
addition of Craig 'The Machine' Sepala on drums. Sepala's years of drumming experience and technical playing has
helped to push Jackson, VonDee, and Tez to play harder than ever before. Leading to live shows laden with
'behind the head' solo's, chest pounding bass, raspy and haunting dual vocals and earth-shattering drums.
LD returned in June of 2019. They released a five song EP titled "End Of Days." It might be short but it's definitely powerful.
It has a gritty grunge vibe throughout all the songs. "Victoria" has a slow but solid opening song to the EP. I really dig the riff in it a lot.
The title track "End Of Days" and "Overdrive" has a strong riff and vocals to match. It reminds me of a riff off of "Boggy Depot"
(Jerry Cantrell Solo record). It has that classic grunge vibe and I love it. "Medication" is smooth in the verses and has a chorus
that will smack you in the face.
"15 years" ends the EP and it ends on a very high note. That song is killer from begining to end.
For those who say "Rock is dead" need to listen to this EP because for Lonely Dakota rock sure isn't dead.