Music
Press
Originally formed in 2002 and after going through a few shake ups, Outsider release 'understanding' a genuinely open, evocative and well just lovely EP! The Manchester music machine keeps churning these bands out, and Outsider's latest offering does not fail to impress. It's re-assuringly familiar,well rounded and complete. The first time you hear some of these songs, like a good comfort blanket, it breeds familiarity without the content. Lead singer Danny Jones does have a touch of 'Keane' about his vocals, but dont let that put you off, there are some great indie anthems here. Such diversity in four simple but effective songs. The title track 'Outsider', an obvious single, with a pop riff made for mainstream radio. 'Only yourself to blame', happy upbeat chorus, done before but importantly, done well (probably where comparisons with Coldplay started. Next,'Old Man' a somewhat haunting, ecoustic balled completements it beautifully. Finally, and superbly rounded off with the upbeat 'Ginger', is there a touch of the Stereophonics here?. Four unique songs for the price of one EP, now that cant be bad... - Music News
This is an amazingly catchy butch of songs for a new bands first EP release.
Outsiders vocalist has a great voice, which sounds a bit Keane-like, but don't let that put you off! It's a voice fit for a band that will surely go far and appeal to many people. Outsider make bright, happy, stomping indie anthems of great quality, with a distinctive sound of their own. You can pick out each instrument clearly adding something unique to each song, in particular the opener & obvious single Understanding which is a riff & drum heavy pleasure. In fact you can imagine hearing any of these songs on the radio. Their lyrics are both catchy (I found myself singing along involuntarily after only a few listens) and interesting, they sound like they have plenty to say and the songwriting craft to be able to say it.
So what of the other songs on the EP? All filler? Not at all. Only Yourself To Blame is a superb ballad. Old Man shows they can make heartfelt acoustic songs as well, with gentle strumming throughout boosted by sporadic bursts of electric riff excitement. Final upbeat track Ginger Smile brings to mind early Stereophonics with fast paced guitars and shoutier vocals. Each track demonstrates their variety with a huge amount of diversity for simply a four track EP. I can't wait to hear the debut album, which according to their website www.outsidermusic.net is currently being recorded.
This EP is available on small indie label Blue Cat Records and is highly recommended.
Alan Smith - Repeat Fanzine
Discography
Understanding EP Released in October 05
Photos
Bio
Danny Jones (Vocals/Guitar) grew up surrounded by musicians on the road with his Mum and Dad's band, subconsciously soaking up musical knowledge, he listened to a variety of music mainly 70's rock bands like Free and Zepplin.
Grez Slater (Drums/Vocals) has a wide variety of influences from 60's to the present day he has a shameful idle he doesn't wish to disclose, maybe if you ask him he may tell all. Grez is a completely self taught drummer and his devotion has given him a individual style which complements Outsiders songs perfectly.
Blake Slater (Bass Guitar) He plays bass very well and he's also partial to the odd caramac and he has dreads!!!
Lee Brotherston (Keys/Guitar/Percussion) brings a new element to the band adding keyboards, effects, rhythm guitar and percussion. A real all rounder of a musician who has played in London and Manchester bands Lee has worked with many artists recording/remixing tracks and has worked alongside stone roses producer Paul Schroeder.
Over the last year Outsider have packed out and played many venues, their following holds a vast cross section of people and since their amazing Radio 2 session on the Janice Long show it just keeps growing. A Radio 2 spokesperson said that they hadn't had that kind of a buzz around a session since Goldfrapp.
The bands first release was the 4 track Understanding E.P in October 2005. Outsider spent the latter part of 2005 performing in venues across the country promoting the E.P. The band are now in the process of writing tracks for their debut album and the second single release set to arrive in the next couple of months.
Outsider have been played on over 30 radio stations in England and Ireland and their first E.P has proven to be a big success, they have done several other radio sessions including Kerrang and BBC GMR but another real triumph was being put on the playlist at XFM this in it's self is a real achievement as they were battling with the likes of Oasis and other better known bands this station is renowned for being one of the most difficult to get playlisted.
Links
