Well, here we are again, you might be thinking, another group of lads, doing the cool thing, being in a band. So what is different about Straw from every other indie/rock band that has graced the planet? Let's start at the beginning then, shall we..."Who would we like to be compared to?" they puzzle. "Beethoven, Bach." - they jest. Straw it seems, just want to be known for who they are; "Everyone always compares you to other bands", complains Duck, keyboard player and producer. Mattie shrugs somewhat slyly as he says, "We would like to be compared to Straw really. We're actually very similar, I think..." They dismiss general comparisons that have been drawn, although concede that "maybe you could call Aeroplane song Britpop"; "we don't have any one main influence" bassist Dan explains; basically, they just want to be themselves, known for being themselves.
Straw originally met in Bristol where each member was doing their own thing; Duck was an in-house engineer, Mattie and Andy were in another bands and Dan arrived last on the scene to finalise the Straw we see before us now. But in an age where image is everything, Straw also seem to recognise that where you come from does not always equal where you're going to. "I think it's sad that every band has to come from somewhere", remarks Duck. "But I suppose the seeds were planted in Bristol. We were like the phoenix from the ashes." But aside from corny clichés, Straw are certainly rising on a growing wave of popularity. Their first album, 'Shoplifting' found a sound that has matured well on their later material, but which paved the way for expansion. Dan explains, "The album was influenced by trip-hop, and was very laid back. It had a bit of a Bristolian attitude", he laughs. "But we had a few problems with the live performances" adds Mattie, cue the more onstage-friendly second album, that has more of a free and workable style. One noticeable thing about Straw is the incredibly catchy, infectious lyrics and melodies that they seem to trot out so effortlessly. As singer/songwriter, Mattie doesn't so much draw on personal experience for songs as merely what he likes the sound of. "It's like a puzzle, making up a song" he decides. "If I like a phrase, or I hear a word that sounds good, then I'll use it. My favourite part is the writing and producing."
And it's writing good songs that Straw have concentrated on doing for their new album, 'Keepsakes', due to be released early next year. They have joined Columbia Records, having left WEA behind, somehow managing not to lose motivation as they wrote their new material between labels. "We agreed to leave our old record company, and I suppose it was good for us to be between labels, because there was a little bit of pressure" remarks Mattie. "And we felt the album was good" adds Dan. After the somewhat dubious debut album title, 'Keepsakes' seems very innocuous. "Well", begins Mattie, "I was listening to the album, and the word 'keepsakes' pops up twice in two different songs, totally by chance. It seemed weird and it's an unusual word, so we just decided to call the album that." Looking around at these four super-cool guys, you can't help wondering whether life's stresses have ever penetrated the chilled out vibe they all exude so confidently. Surely the nerves must kick in as they step out in front of a live crowd? "No" they unanimously reply. "Dan doesn't even work up a sweat" laughs Mattie. "Last time he did, it was only because the room was so hot." "He's like a robot" laughs Duck, "Bicentennial man!" Dan looks up with a smirk; "Well, I'd like to think that I could at least be Data from Star Trek".
What about rituals then. "Yeah we have actually" smiles Mattie. "Before each gig, Andy kisses each of us on the head. Last time he didn't, everything broke and went wrong." So life's not always perfect then. But in the happy world of Straw, things are not far off. Having been chosen to support Toploader on their latest tour marks a turning point for the band. They were chosen out of many contenders to scoop the desirable slot, after Toploader liked a tape they sent in. "We sent them a demo, and they chose us out of about thirty bands", Dan recalls. "I think they just liked what they heard, and the next thing we knew, they asked us to support them." And so here we are. A bunch of four down to earth guys, doing what they enjoy most. "We don't expect everyone to like us", he concludes. "Yeah", adds Mattie. "It's like, everyone who likes us put up your hand. Everyone who doesn't, put up your hand. And that's it really." What more needs to be said?

Shelley Gale

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