myspace cadets: strait laces0
Posted In Music
I can’t quite make up my mind about Strait Laces.
The first time I saw the band was at Unconvention in Belfast’s Black Box last November, but they were honestly rather disappointing. The set didn’t flow at all and the vocals were rough (which was putting it mildly) which put a dampener on proceedings. However, there were promising elements. Strait Laces seem to have music ADD: just as they get the listener familiar with a riff or a melody, they tear it up and do something completely different. They take hundreds of musical risks, some major, some minor. Occasionally they fall flat on their face when they fail but when they succeed it’s something to behold. Quite frankly, it’s musical insanity, and insanity can generate genius sometimes.
Let’s take the track “Romantic Issues” as an example of this. It’s a gorgeous guitar part, funky in its execution. The bass is doing its thing as ever, while “Pando” on drums is having a whale of a time. Dave’s vocals start off alright and the lyrics are wittier than your average. However, when it gets to the chorus, it hits the fan. It’s like a musical cut and shunt, two songs merged together. The guitar part is no longer laid back but uppity and in your face, the drums are even more energetic but it’s a little bit awkward listening to the line “for the first time”. The vocals are always going to be a love/hate affair, similar to Panama Kings and Funeral Suits. It’s not always noticeable but it does stand out occasionally for me.
“Clap” is a track that you could throw into a Skins soundtrack and it would fit perfectly. There aren’t any passengers in the band: everyone’s imaginative, whether it’s the constantly mental drumline, the bass breakdown just ater the middle 8 or that awesome chord progression in the chorus. You’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next. The vocals are much improved as well, as Dave shares a tender moment with us. It’s like a track from We Are Scientists’ first album With Love And Squalor but with Northern Irish accents and a hell of a lot more attitude.
The new single “Seconds Out” (released 2nd November) is reminscent of Arctic Monkeys, or the material that Panama Kings would come up with if they ditched the synths. There’s tons of attitude and swagger in this track, with some excellent guitar work. Once again, it’s just a bit crazy. The first two minutes are pretty rough and ready with the occasional “wooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaah” thrown in there for good effect, then Strait Laces’ imagination goes into overdrive. The guitar line completely changes and Jonny goes bonkers on the bass. It’s all very promising.
The free download for today is the Uber Glitterati remix of Seconds Out, and it’s gorgeous. The synthesisers are wonderful and the understated xylophone in the background puts the icing on the cake, completely reinventing the track into a possible indie dance favourite with tinges of Madonna thrown in there for good value. Strait Laces aren’t quite there yet, but exciting times lie ahead for the band and fans alike.
Check out: Romantic Issues and Seconds Out (released 2nd November on iTunes and the usual music outlets)
Download “Seconds Out” Uber Glitterati Remix (right click, save as) – huge thanks to Bruised Fruit for granting permission.
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