STRAWHOUSES knows what it is to survive.

Originally named due to singer/ songwriter Paul’s perception that ‘everything could collapse at any given moment’, they have belied the fragility of their name and gone through some difficult times to emerge stronger than ever. Formed in 2007 out of the ashes of several early incarnations, the boys have learned the hard way that nothing in this industry is given easily, especially not these days...but with a corker of an album in the bag and a renewed purpose, there is very much the feeling in the Strawhouses camp that 2010 could be the year they finally make an assault on the public's consciousness.

Built on a forte for intense and emotional live sets, gripping melodies and soaring guitars underpinned by inventive and at times unsettling rhythms, Strawhouses set out their manifesto early on, with dark, almost Joy Division style rock. As musical talents, and perhaps more importantly, individual and collective life experiences were earned and developed, Strawhouses worked hard on their songcraft. Paul explains; 'Our songs were always intense. But we've really managed to hone a pop ethic to them now that seems to really speak to people. I'm pleased things have worked out as they have, I think we were in the perfect place to record our debut album when we did, and not before - the songs have a much wider appeal now without losing any of the dark humour that punctuated the early stuff.'

With the mention of words like 'dark' and 'intense', it's no surprise that comparisons to influences such as Radiohead, REM and The Smiths continue to emerge from reviews.Inspired by Orwellian conspiracies, Paul's lyrics range from apocalyptic nightmare visions of the future to the collapse of everyday relationships, to self conscious, claustrophobic confessions of past mistakes.

Their first EP, 'Runaway Child', was self produced, financed and released, typifying their “honesty and classy DIY aura” and gained some fantastic reviews and was widely received as a great first release, “brilliantly catchy, fearlessly emotive and unyielding forward-thinkers of modern music.” (Simon S Wright, Sandman). Shortly after followed a Live DVD, for which the band organised high quality live filming and recording. On the back of these two projects, the boys were signed by local independent Possible Records.

The first release on Possible was the insanely catchy single 'A Good Night Out'. The single got some great commercial radio playlisting and suggested that there was scope for a successful album. The studio was booked for the summer 2009...Up until entering the studio, the boys had toured extensively since late 2007, culminating in a slot at Scottish festival RockNess June 2009. Notable gigs include support slots with Radio 1 favourites Red Light Company, DIE DIE DIE and Starsailor.

Strawhouses are “instantaneously brilliant” (Another Late Night Magazine). Don’t miss out on them.