The Strawkites: Outside Influences

The Strawkites are a two member band from Kent in the UK. Stewart and Keith write and play all instruments on their albums. Keith plays guitar and keyboards. Stewart plays guitar and sings. They are YouTube fan favorites, promoting their music through the web channel. I first found them on CDBaby.com and connected with them via Facebook. They are well connected via social media and respond quickly to promo requests. This album is an eclectic mix of thoughts and well…outside influences that have motivated and inspired these two unique musicians to get together to write their own creations.

Every track on this album is a winner. Their talent in creating interesting and enjoyable music will amaze you. How did you not hear about them before this article? Yeh…that is what I said before I previewed them on CDBaby.com. I just had to have this first promo album.

The highlights include the opening title song, "Outside Influences", a Pink Floyd infused tribute that even Roger and David would appreciate.

"Reagan" is simply one of the best comedic anthems of the year. For everyone who may not have been a devout follower of the two term President…this song was made for you. Just try not to burst into laughter.

"You Must be Kidding Mr. Hackett" is a wonderful tribute to one of my favorite guitarists of all time Steve Hackett. There is an accompanying video for the track on YouTube: http://youtu.be/3Eqx-tACseE.

"Butterfly Chrysalis" is another track heavily influenced by Pink Floyd and Camel. There is a great mix of multiple genres and sounds on this album. But this band is a progressive rock band first. The Strawkites truly do an excellent job of paying tribute to all of the influences both musically and politically, ("Some Thirty Eight Minutes Ago" is a tribute to JFK), that have made a difference in their lives. You can also hear the influence of Al Stewart, Alan Parsons, Camel, Rush, Dire Straits, Steve Wilson, and many others within this amazing web they weave.

If you want something different with some obvious but re-invented influences, get this masterpiece, put on the headphones and set the controls for the heart of the sun.

Track Listing:

1. Outside Influences
2. Reagan
3. You Must be Kidding Mr. Hackett
4. Butterfly Chrysalis
5. Some Thirty Eight Minutes Ago
6. The Nightmare Begins
7. Obscured By Cocaine
8. Feel the Emotion
9. Roswell
10. Orbiter One
11. Say Your Prayers (Remix)
12. It's an Ill Wind
13. Are You Still There

Added: December 19th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: http://www.soundcloud.com/thestrawkites
Hits: 2182
Language: english

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