The Straits
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The Straits

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"The Straits - S/T - (Indie)"

This locally produced stepchild to the guitar strafing/drum pounding of The Strokes is a lovely debut that resonates long after it's six tunes and/or 24 minutes are up. Guitar riffers with the hearts of popsters, The Straits know as much what not to play as what to play. As such, the guitars stop and start on occasion, leaving the drummer to pound hypnotically before a ringing Byrds-inspired lick kickstarts the whole affair again. The Straits obvious promise aside, credit is also due producer Andy Magoffin who recorded the band this summer at his House of Miracles here in London. Magoffin's own reverence for songwriting is a perfect match for The Straits, as he keeps the tunes tightly within view regardless of the bashing going on up front. As with the best Eps, The Straits is a blissful case of 'less is more.'
- Bob Klanac B+ - Scene - Dec. 9, 2004 / Issue 481


"S/T EP The Straits"

On Tuesday November 16th, The Strait's released their Self Titled EP. The Straits are a four piece rock band born in London, Ontario who have been playing together since December 2003. They appeared as a reformed and readjusted Skip Tracer of past London semi-fame. The Self Titled EP is an impressive first release for The Straits. It has all the spunk of current post-disco bass driven rock, but also retains the sound of past pop favourites like GBV, Weeping Tile, and Thrush Hermit.

Totally groove bass lines (not to sound like a hippy, but groovy is appropriate sometimes), with dynamic guitar work that spans in range from tried and true rock tactics, like wah saturated squealing guitar solos. Tones of Sonic noise add an artistic note and deepen the mood while Jangle riffs give a melodic flow. No overload of the delay pedal, or improperly place guitar-flashery, and a well compiled placement of hooks with interesting lyrics mixed with harmonies and effects to add an extra level of depth to the songs.

Vocalist Thom Drew has a versatile voice with lyrics and tone qualities reminiscent of the late great Hum, using a variety of styles through the album to give The Straits a versatile song dynamic with well placed emotion. I found an affinity for Holding a Match. Sort of a dissonant beginning, sparse, repeatative jangle guitar and boom boom drums with a quick rise from the bass into a driving tempo verse. I'm saying driving like, if I were out driving around in a car, I would want to be listening to music like this, all up tempo but serious. The drum work is captivating; punchy, and bass driven, while the guitar confidently maintains it's illusiveness. The chorus picks up even more so with rolling tom work, and lots of ride. The whole track is sonic, down to the feedback ending.

To listen to Holding a Match, as well as 5 other full length tracks, visit TheStraits.ca

Posted by : ASCII 32

View the original article at: http://www.londonindie.com/albumdetail.php?ID=17 - londonindie.com - Nov. 16, 2004


"The Straits make the right moves"

Thom Drew (guitar/vocals) and Tyler Tierney (bass/backing vocals) have worked together musically for the past seven years, most recently in the ambient-rock unit Skip Tracer. After that band broke up, the two sought "a rock and roll sound and a new-wave sort of sound at the same time." So in December 2003, they recruited Jeremy Meyer (drums) and Ken Traynor (guitar/vocals) to form The Straits. Over a year later, it appears that hooking up with Traynor and Meyer turned out to be the right move at the right time.

"We play for each other," says Drew, clearly summing up The Straits' basic philosophy in one succinct phrase. "This [The Straits] is actually something that we have a chance to get somewhere with."

Although Drew and Traynor bring most of the band's musical ideas to the table, all the members of the group may devise arrangements for the songs. Indeed, The Straits' creative process allows conflicting ideas to be used in a positive fashion.

"Any time we get into a collective argument, I sort of chalk it up to being passionate about the music," said Drew. Citing 'life situations' as their primary source of lyrical inspiration, Drew mentions Radiohead's Thom Yorke and REM's Michael Stipe as examples of the kind of steady artistic direction The Straits seek. "They still write about what they know. It's kind of nice to have the real-life aspect of things to write about."

The Straits' self-titled, six-song debut EP was recorded and engineered at The House Of Miracles by the Forest City's resident lo-fi master and studio alchemist extraordinaire, Andy Magoffin. Working with Magoffin was a positive experience for Drew and the band.

"He encouraged us a lot to keep striving to get it better... he knew what he was doing," said Drew. The idea was to get a live feel to the record, and the band members quickly realized that studio and live performance situations are "two different beasts." "The first record by a band is what the band is," Drew said. Pleased with the final results The Straits feel that with Magoffin's help they were able to transfer their live energy into the recording environment without any loss of power.

Now that The Straits is completed and on the racks in several local stores, the band plans to move forward in 2005. While their record receives airplay on London's FM96 and CHRW 94.9FM, they are readying their application for the 11th annual North By Northeast Music Festival and Conference, a world-renowned showcase event to be held in Toronto from June 9-11. To further spread the word, the band is planning on making their EP available in 35 more stores over the next few months.

- Rod Nicholson - Scene - Jan. 6, 2005 / Issue 482


"Straits show stuff at the Last Drop"

Tomorrow night at the Last Drop, the Straits will showcase the reasons why they have created such a buzz as one of London's most promising acts. Performing since December 2003, the Straits consist of Thom Drew on guitar and vocals, Jeremy Meyer on drums and backing vocals, Tyler Tierney on bass and backing vocals and Ken Traynor on guitar and vocals.

After pooling their talents, the foursome released a self-titled EP in November 2004. The EP -- mixed and recorded at London's House of Miracles with Andy Magoffin -- offers catchy, sophisticated rock that never seems to tire. If the album's mere six tracks are any indication, tomorrow night's show should be a fulfilling one.

The disc has left little room for criticism; Scene Magazine and London Indie have churned out favourable reviews, while London radio stations FM96 and CHRW 94.9FM have picked up the Straits' first single, Red Light/Grey St. All six tracks can be heard online at www.thestraits.ca

The Straits are scheduled to perform at the Last Drop with guests Debaser and Lolita Police. This free show begins at 10 p.m. But if you miss tomorrow's show, you can still check out the burgeoning band when it plays Fanshawe in February.

***
Lori Mastronardi, Megan O'Toole and Brian Wong, Special to the Free Press

View the original article at: http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Today/2005/01/13/896794-sun.html - London Free Press - Jan. 13, 2005


"Local rock ‘n’ roll miracles The Straits are movin’ on up"

By: Claire Neary

With only one year’s experience playing together, The Straits have developed a unique sound best described on the band’s website as “equal parts soul, art rock, garage and beat rock with a twang.”

The band formed in Dec. 2003 when Tyler Tierney (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Thom Drew (guitar/vocals) decided it was time to disband Skip Tracer, their previous project of seven years. The two friends posted ads around London until word of mouth attracted Jeremy Meyer (drums/backing vocals) and Ken Traynor (guitar/vocals).

The band was initially unsure about using a simple name like The Straits.

“At first we thought we probably shouldn’t use it,” Tierney explains. “But it’s something we just kind of came up with, and we liked it. At first we were a little unsure of how we were going to spell it, but now we’re happy with it, because I think it sounds formal and not silly like some other bands.

“Radiohead, Coldplay — they’re great bands but they’re not good names. Besides, I don’t think your name has to define your sound, and people are going to categorize you however they want, regardless of your name.”

After collaborating and playing several shows throughout London, The Straits settled down to begin working on their first CD last spring. The self-titled six song release was recorded by wellknown London producer Andy Magoffin, who is renowned for his work with up-and-coming indie rock bands like The Hidden Cameras, Royal City and The Constantines.

According to Tierney, working with Magoffin was an important learning experience. “He added a lot of great ideas, and he really pushed us to improve our sound. Working with him was a real privilege because he’s basically a pinnacle in London music.”

The album was released on Nov. 16, and is now available in several local stores, including Dr. Disc and Speed City. However, Tierney encourages fans to come check out the band’s shows, where the CD can be purchased for only $5. “It’s basically just a bonus to get people to come to our shows,” he adds. “Right now we’d much rather have more fans and pull in less money from the album than the other way around.”

Although The Straits have played only a handful of shows around London so far, they have a few practical goals for the near future. The band recently applied to be a part of the 11th annual North by Northeast music festival and conference and is anxiously awaiting acceptance.

Despite aspirations to play in bigger cities like Toronto and Montreal, Tierney suggests there are some benefits to starting out in a relatively small city like London. “We’ve played in Toronto, but in big cities like that you’re a little fish in a big pond, and I think it’s harder to find support. In London we have our friends, and that’s really important.”

Tierney is excited about Friday’s show because The Straits will be playing with two new bands for the first time. He encourages Western students to come and check out the show. “You get three new bands and it’s absolutely FREE... put that in big letters,” Tierney exclaims.

As a bonus incentive, he adds that The Straits are planning to showcase some brand new material on Friday. “Of course we love to see our friends at our shows, but even more so, we like to see people we don’t know. So come on out — it’s sure to be a great show.”
The Straits play a free show Friday (Jan. 14) starting at 10 p.m. upstairs at The Last Drop (511 Talbot St) with fellow Londoners Lolita Police and Toronto’s Debaser. Check out The Straits’ music at www.thestraits.ca.

View this article at: http://www.gazette.uwo.ca/article.cfm?section=Arts&articleID=348&month=1&day=13&year=2005 - The Gazette - Jan. 13, 2005


"Club Scene"

Monday night will see the Straits hit Call the Office, where the London-based rockers will open for Montreal's the High Dials.

With a uniquely catchy sound that has already gained a devoted local following, the Straits are currently up for a London Music Award in the pop/rock category. The Straits' self-titled debut EP was released last year and features six exceptionally danceable tracks, including the standout Red Light/Grey St.

For more information or to hear a streamed audio version of the band's debut disc, check out www.thestraits.ca.

The all-ages show begins at 10 p.m. and admission is $5.

***
Lori Mastronardi, Megan O'Toole and Brian Wong - London Free Press - Feb. 17, 2005


"Editor's Review"

It's fitting that Ontario quartet the Straits has a track titled "Distill"; the band's gleaming rock attack artfully mixes the best elements of several worthy sources. Urgent, shifty bass lines recall Franz Ferdinand, crystalline riffs and soaring vocals channel the Killers or U2, and moments of husky slackerdom do a spot-on Ryan Adams. - download.com - June 2005


"London well-represented as NXNE takes it to Eleven"

...back at the Kathedral, the Straits rocked through their set in workmanlike fashion, as band leader Thom Drew alternately crooned and flailed about the stage. Flexing the soulful twang that's already earned them play on FM96, they continue to show improvement exponentially. If one thing's for certain, it's that this band doesn't look or sound like they've only been together 18 months...

story by: Tristan Staddon
- Scene - June 23, 2005 / Issue 494


Discography

The Straits (2004)

Written and performed by The Straits.
Recorded and mixed by Andy Magoffin at the House of Miracles, London.

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

The story of The Straits is about music, ruthless personal ambition, insatiable sexual appetite, corned-beef hash, skip tracing, and how a small coterie of venal musicians made a decision in a smoke-filled basement in December of 2003, whose ramifications could potentially threaten the entirety of popular music.

The Straits are a four piece rock band born in London, Ontario with a healthy combined body weight of approximately 625 lbs. Equal parts soul, art rock, garage and beat rock with a twang, The Straits’ white hot textual overkill redresses any oxymoronic classification. Their musical oeuvre covers the entire spectrum of aural experience, from robust space jams to jarring climaxes full of vitality.

Thom Drew, Jeremy Meyer, Tyler Tierney and Ken Traynor have been playing together as The Straits, winning over audiences with their mythopoeic musical prose, since December 2003. They have recently ruminated a six song, self-titled EP that is now available for audiophiles and otherwise. Despite clinical satyriasis, the reluctant superstars play for the raw, adrenaline soaked thrill of their writhing bodies covered in roasted potato smelling sweat during any given performance. This is the type of effort that earns The Straits enthusiastic live reviews and a reputation of ambitious integrity among peers and fans.

After-show food of choice for The Straits is corned-beef hash.

- Conrad Krieg, Team Albino

Notable performances:
October 2005 - Western Mustangs Football Halftime Show - London, ON
September 2005 - Indie Week - Toronto, ON
June 2005 - North By Northeast Music Festival - Toronto, ON
May 2005 - CHRW 94.9FM's "3 Nights of Indie Rock!" - London, ON
April 2005 - International Pop Overthrow Festival - Chicago, IL
April 2005 - Live radio session on WHPK 88.5FM at the University of Chicago, IL
March 2005 - London Music Festival - London, ON