Straitlaced to blast Cafe Metro
Posted June 7, 2006
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Straitlaced to blast Caf Metro
By Alan K. Stout Music On The Menu
The band Straitlaced takes its name from a term, used by the groups circle of friends, to describe anything cool.
Fans of the fiery quartet might say its a pretty good fit.
The young band was formed just a few years ago in Abington, just outside of Philadelphia, and its current lineup has been in place for just one year. Though the groups music has been described as power punk/pop and even screamo, guitarist Viv Peyrat, 19, prefers a more simple description.
I would just call it alternative, he says. I would just call it rock. We try to cover a lot of areas of rock, and dont just stick to one. There are a lot of influences. Everyone likes heavy shit, but they also like some good pop/rock. We try to mix it up.
Straitlaced self-titled EP includes the tracks Burn, Half The Battle, Six Letters, Pull The Plug and Thank You, Good-Bye. Group members also include Dan Sinkler on vocals and guitar, Andy Sinkler on drums (theyre twins) and Leland Weeks on bass. Interestingly, the bands bio offers some almost humorous insight into the songwriting process:
Our songs usually are created from a guitar riff by Viv or Dan, and then we argue about how Andrew should play to it, it reads. Next, Leland plays the most simple, yet intricate bass part possible without looking like a complete (dork). Then, Dan writes the words that none of the other members understand until they are recorded some of the songs happen to be about stupid things Dan has done while partying.
Peyrat agrees with that description.
Honestly, thats how it goes down, he says with a chuckle. Someone will come up with stupid little ideas, and well kind of feed off of it and work off of it for an hour or two. Maybe nothing will come of it, or something good will come of it, and then Dan puts lyrics to it.
And what inspires the songs?
Its usually just lifes events girls and stuff.
Though the groups influences and favorites include acts such as Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday, it has also made a conscious effort to forge its own sound.
Guitar, to me - distorted guitars - are real important, says Peyrat. Its all about letting a lot of energy out through your songs.
Sometimes, say Peyrat, you might even hear a few seconds of an Eric Clapton or Eddie Van Halen influence. Even the shifting-gears style of drumming, he says, brings a unique dynamic to the songs.
I try to throw in a lot of solos, or more solos, than some other bands and we definitely like to switch up within a song. Andrew likes to go to a lot of different places when hes playing drums.
Peyrat says the groups live shows are both professional and energetic and that its main goal is to connect with its audience and audience that the band would like to see expand nationwide.
Thats the ultimate goal the record deal, touring, the tour bus, he says. I definitely want to be signed by a label, go on some nice tours, record some albums, and then start thinking about maybe getting on the radio and trying to write some hits.
Making a living would be great, but it wouldnt be as sweet as making it huge.
Go:
Who: Straitlaced, with The Alexandria Machine, Beyond Bleeding Eyes and One Shot Shy of a Shooting
Where: Caf Metropolis, 94 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre
When: Friday, June 9. Doors at 7 p.m. Music at 8 p.m.
Cover: $5
Info: www.cafemetropolis.com
Band on the web: www.staitlacedrocks.com
