Stroszek

“Vibrant, threatening and song-writing-wise as good as any of their mentors” Is This Music? magazine by Larissa Wodtke (Winnipeg, Canada, 2007):

“Named after the Werner Herzog film, Stroszek stood out from the glut of unsigned bands that fills the MySpace universe and caught my attention. Not only is their music going against the tide of the post-Libertines vanguard, but they write intelligent, political and confrontational lyrics of the type I haven’t heard from any recent band. A self-described “post-punk-electro-shoegaze” band, they produce a glacial, moody post-punk sound reminiscent of Josef K, the David Bowie Berlin trilogy, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, but with hints of gloomy synth-pop akin to The Cure and Depeche Mode and a textured melodic soundscape like Cocteau Twins. At the same time, the basslines recall the driving feel of Killing Joke and the groove of early Simple Minds. Richey’s vocals fall between the Ian Curtis tonality and the low tremble of Richard Butler from Psychedelic Furs.

Their lyrics sit within the realm of the The Clash, Manic Street Preachers, McCarthy, and Gang of Four, placing them far above their peers in my eyes. Not since the Manics has there been such brilliant use of political and philosophical intertextuality. Stroszek often references Scottish issues in addition to more general statements about world politics, the role of the media, and history. It’s refreshing to hear meaningful poetry in lyrics which actually challenge you.

Last summer I was lucky enough to see Stroszek perform live in Manchester, and even though they were limited to a five song set, I was truly happy that I had been there to witness it.

The true test of a band for me is whether I enjoy songs I’ve never heard before as much as the songs I already know, and Stroszek aced this test. They are simply a great live band, one that doesn’t need anything other than the music to blow you away. Richey sang with intensity, honesty and anguish; Les’s guitar deftly danced through the pulsing rhythms of the programmed drums, weaving haunting melodies; Doug drove each song along in true Jah Wobble and/or Killing Joke fashion; and they all took turns playing the synth in a seamless, but intricately layered, wall of sound. And of course the lyrics gave me that triumphant feeling similar to the one I got watching the Manics - call me weird, but songs that mention Chomsky make my heart swell.”