Strawhouses

Ones to Watch

Hailing from Liverpool but with none of the archetypal cheek famed by Merseyside musicians, Strawhouses are a labeless musical entity is the best possible way. Over the past few years, this four piece have created something quite incomparable, severing ties to specific genres and forging their own unique sound.

Despite the intensity of Strawhouses, there seems to be an underlying current of dark humour running through their songs, perhaps making them easier to connect with. That said, Paul's vocals are layered with emotion and delivered in the most elegant fashion. The pure quality is at times pretty breath taking, and when you find yourself in a state of wonderment, you'll become aware that these guys are out on their own, front running.

Why are they not huge then? Well perhaps it's the intelligence that douses the music of Starwhouses that may go over some heads, not that they are haughty or anything. They just act as a welcome bastion of intelligent, thought-provoking musicians, when most other tradesmen settle for social observation revolving around beer, breasts and boogies in indie clubs.

Recently released EP 'Runaway Child' showcases some of their best material to date, with the title track being effortlessly epic. Garnering hundreds of comparisons to musical greats such as Radiohead, Interpol and Neil Young, Strawhouses may well be residing in the same hall of fame as them in the future. But let's not jump the gun - at the moment, there is an honesty and classy DIY aura clinging to the band that only fuels the intrigue. They're brilliantly catchy, fearlessly emotive and unyielding forward-thinkers of modern music.

Don't wait till they hit the heights of stardom, catch them now while they still retain the positive anticipation of a band who stand on the cusp of great things.

Simon S Wright

www.myspace.com/strawhouses