REVIEW - STRAWDAZE "Senza rotta" EP (2012)

STRAWDAZE "Senza Rotta" Self-released
Release date: 31 March 2012
Running time: 19:34, 6 tracks

StrawDaze are six guys from Asola (Italy) playing tin whistle, lead guitar, banjo, rhythm guitar, bass and drums. The band was established as a cover band in 2008 and they have been playing their own songs since 2011.

The first thing that draws my attention is that there are neither pipes, nor fiddle. And normally these guys don’t wear kilts. In fact, their sound is mainly based on tin whistle and banjo. Fortunately StrawDaze try to avoid some clichés of the genre.

"Pirati in festa", the opening track features top-notch tin whistle arrangements that link Strawdaze to the Skels and it’s one of the best numbers on the EP.

The tin whistle on the next song is also very good. However, I feel that the banjo on this track, “Nuova patria”, is hardly noticed.

“Terzo Tempo” is a more British punk orientated song with some UK Subs influences.

Track no. 4, “Es senza rotta”, features both Italian and English lyrics. The banjo is clearer on this song. Great guitar work at the end.

The following track, “La Scachiera”, shows a different side of the band: folk metal/medieval influences.

“Lady Molly”, the last track, is a standard Celtic punk sounding number. A catchy song.

As a whole, the “Senza Rotta” EP seems to be the first contact of the band with the studio. Obviously, production should be improved but we are aware that their songwriting and  sound will be more consistent on future releases.

Together with bands such as The Dirty Artichokes, Hangover Piss or Lazy Bastards, StrawDaze are the evidence that the Italian Celtic punk scene is alive too.


Tracklist:

1 - Pirati in festa 3:04
2 - Nuova Patria 3:15
3 - Terzo tempo 3:06
4 - Es senza rotta 3:36
5 - La Scachiera 3:08
6 - Lady Molly 3:11


http://www.facebook.com/strawdaze
http://www.myspace.com/strawdaze

Contact the band to buy the EP:

strawdaze@gmail.com

Review by Kinksmarkham