The Smitten Ones - Band Profile
Chris Struthers - Vocals / Guitar
Lewis Parry - Drums
Johnny Ratcliffe - Bass
Jamie Speirs - Keys / Synths
Chris Dawson - Lead Guitar
The antidote to the banality of the modern live music scene has finally arrived in the form of The Smitten Ones, a refreshingly original 5 piece band from Southport.
TSO have been described as an indie band, however, the increasing support they receive from many music fans who appreciate their work prove that they are a band who defy rather than define musical genre.
Singer/songwriter Chris Struthers has an innate ability to combine melody with tight musical arrangement thus creating songs that are both inventive and imaginative. This combined with the band’s ability to reproduce his work with integrity when on stage has resulted in some top quality live performances this year. To witness The Smitten Ones playing live is a delight. Lewis Parry gives pounding percussion patterns reminiscent of the work of Stephen Morris in the early days of Joy Division echo over the intense guitar riffs supplied by Struthers and Chris Dawson whilst a sharp and intelligent bass line from Jonny Ratcliffe ties the band together . The sparse yet clever use of keyboards gives enough of an electro feel to the music to add a certain quality that is reassuring without being in anyway retro. Chris Struthers also has an atmospheric and poignant singing voice that reflects the depth and feeling of his music.
In short it is no surprise that The Smitten Ones are quickly becoming a very popular band on the North-West music circuit. The size of the audience they attract is increasing everytime the play live. They have an ability to attract a large following whether they play in a local pub in their home town or in a trendy bar in Camden Town. People are becoming aware of who The Smitten Ones are and how unique they are. Anyone who isn’t yet aware of them check out MySpace or better still hassle your local record shop for a CD.
Anyone who is aware of them knows that this band will be around for a while and that the best is yet to come!
The Band's Record Label