One of the most well known bands that have regularly performed at the Classic Rock Society (CRS) is the progressive rock band Strangefish. They have also survived the dubious title, young and upcoming band, even though for most members life has already begun or is about to!
Their four song demo album, "Reeled In", embracing the 'fish' theme, opened them up to much larger audiences within the CRS and culminated in being voted Best New Band by CRS and top awards for Best Male Vocalist and Best Drummer. They where also runners-up in all other categories, except for Best Female Vocalist. Even though Steve is in touch with his feminine side and has the hair for the part, it would have been an amazing feat to achieve this one too!
Following this fantastic recognition, the Band has now followed this up with the release of "Full Scale", their debut album. "Full Scale" doesn't always follow the classical verse/chorus scheme and concepts and lyrics figure equally. Long instrumentals and vocal sections alternate regularly with Steve's voice acting like an additional instrument. The music itself is driven by keyboards, brilliant guitar and bass lines and excellent drumming. Instead of self-indulgent solos, the listener encounters well-arranged balanced tunes which are pleasing to the ear without being boring. Strangefish may pleasantly surprise people who are into the type of music of the likes of GENESIS.
"Full Scale" is fun to listen to as even the serious songs emanate a positive vibe, reflecting the lads' attitude to take the music but not themselves too seriously.
"Full Scale" has picked up strong reviews in many countries, and the success of this album has led the band to develop into a new creative area for their music, that of a 'rock story'.
Their new concept album," Fortune Telling ", is a series of songs which tell a rock story that portrays the life of a man searching for happiness, and apparently finding it through a Lottery win. However, it takes winning a fortune for him to realise that happiness comes from what's in your memories, not what's in your wallet, something that the members of Strangefish can testify to. This album is currently in production and is scheduled for release in late 2005.
The current members of the band have been together since 2000, drawn together by a common desire to create a sound that contains emotions, fun, laughs and above all, passions which the members of the band themselves project. What comes through clearly in everything they do is this desire to enjoy their musical experiences and to involve the audience in their 'fun'. The use of inflatables at the gigs, which then become an extension of the band out in the audience, is part of this 'quirky' side of Strangefish, and one that has become part of their entertainment / personality.
The fact that the Group has formed following the establishment of their own families, and the fact that they are still independent, allows them the confidence and freedom to write and play what they want, and how they want - clearly demonstrated in their music and the atmosphere they, and their loyal followers, create at their live shows.
Jamie Christofani.
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