Sheffield-based five-piece Laruso are ready to make an impact in 2009. The eclectic rock newcomers’ first full-length release - A Classic Case Of Cause And Effect - showcases their ability to fuse the musical beauty with the beast - combining delicate melody and sensitive dynamics with hard-hitting instrumentals and shuddering, epic power. The album has been very well received by fans and media a like.
Influenced by acts as varied as Deftones, Faith No more, Taking Back Sunday, Meshuggah and Alice In Chains – Laruso’s resulting sound is like no other. Their 12-track debut A Classic Case Of Cause And Effect was produced by Laruso’s guitarist Carl Bown, who has also produced the new Fightstar album Be Human, at his own Treehouse Studios in Chesterfield.
"Carl did an incredible job on the album, and is undoubtedly the best up and coming producer in the UK.” says frontman Liv. "It was great to be able to work together on all aspects of the record's creation and I think it's resulted in the best album we could have ever made. We are very proud of it."
Laruso have already shared stage space with the likes of Life Of Agony, All American Rejects, 36 Crazyfists, yourcodenameis:milo and more - as well as completing successful tours with Radio One A-List stars Fightstar. They completed a very successful tour in May 2009 with Fightstar, alongside hotly tipped newcomers In Case Of Fire.
The Fightstar frontman – Charlie Simpson’s vocals also feature on Borderline Exit Plan, with additional contributions from Primal Scream Trumpeter Duncan Mackay Is A Technicality, and unexpectedly, million seller, and fellow Sheffielder (and Carl’s uncle) Tony Christie who adds a haunting and unearthly touch to Heresy.
"We asked Tony if he wanted to get involved and it turned out amazingly," says Liv. "His vocals sound so eerie - which is not what you would expect from Tony at all. It's nice to have a Sheffield legend contribute to our work!"
From the catchy hooks and "cheeky time signatures" of End Of Level Boss, to the hip-shaking skills of first single 1998, through the melancholic, sombre power of instrumental String & Cellotape and soaring vocals and uplifting chorus of the title track, A Classic Case Of Cause And Effect is shimmering with originality and maturity.
Each of the 12 songs sees the five-piece pushing themselves to new and exciting extremes, working hard to bring something innovative to the table - and grow as musicians in the process. Lyrically, the album touches on a broad range of subjects, from the band’s personal experiences with relationships, to a more humourous and sarcastic take on life in the current music industry.
"A lot of the songs are to do with certain bands - who we won't name - making a lot of noise that doesn't have any depth to it and getting away with it," bites Liv. "There are so many great new amazing bands out there that don't get anywhere because they don't know the right people or they don't play the sort of music that is fashionable at the time, it's all quite annoying."
The band are proud to be included as part of the exciting and innovative scene of British bands, notorious for their talent, as opposed to their tabloid antics.
"Whether it's Biffy Clyro, Fightstar, Reuben - who are sadly no longer with us, Brigade or Derry's Fighting With Wire," says Liv, "they are all bands who we hugely admire for not being contrived, and managing to get recognition without compromise or selling out. All these bands make or made interesting music and are paving the way for musicians that play more eclectic music and whose songs are a little more interesting. Hopefully that's where we will come in."
A Classic Case Of Cause And Effect is out now.
