"Having been given the unpleasant task of reviewing two musical abortions(Aqua’s Greatest Hits and Basement Jaxx’s Scars) in as many weeks, I was glad to be offered space for the opportunity to write on new and up and coming bands and hopefully give me the chance to get my teeth into something with a bit more substance. Thank Christ the Strutts haven’t disappointed. Stumbling upon the band this year in Pravda, again at Eamonn Dorans and both times pleasantly surprised at the consistency of their live performances regardless of electric equipment that was clearly lacking. I made sure I caught them at the release of their EP, where any band worth their salt should and had better play out of their skin. Again the Strutts didn’t disappoint.


Their Myspace page describes the band as ‘four lads from Dublin’. They are indeed four lads but their sound is anything but Dublin. Liverpool runs through their veins and is their lifeblood. Early rockabilly is eaten for breakfast seasoned with Johnny cash, lunch mainly served with a helping of acoustic Stones (Rolling) and a side order of The Coral. The main course is undoubtedly the Beatles, which the Strutts return to for seconds. According to their five a day the Strutts take a small helping of the pixies and the La’s for desert. A loose immediately raw sound defines The Strutts however this deceives the obvious craft, care, attention and direction behind the band. Tight, solid rhythms provide the backing for rich and light guitar work all of which compliment backing and lead vocals. The majority of the tracks on their newly released EP, available on iTunes, notably ‘Down’ and ‘People Talk’ have the hallmarks of indie hits. There is lots of potential to grow for a band that has produced this calibre of work so early in their career. Let’s hope that they don’t disappear into the musical ether or up their own arses.


Despite being around for only a short period of time The Strutts have already garnered a small underground following which unlike most new bands goes beyond just their mates turning up to gigs. Also, the Strutts lack of tenure on the music scene hasn’t stopped them from exploiting every avenue in getting their music out into the public domain and more importantly getting it into people ears." Frank Black UCD Magazine