biography
Since 2002, Stratocruiser have released 5 full length CD's and a host of other EP's, singles, 7 inch records, digital only releases and various compilation tracks. To say Stratocruiser is prolific would be an understatement. Rarely can a band so deftly mix quantity and quality. This year sees the release of the 5th full length Stratocruiser CD, "Sitting Pretty at the End of the World".
2012 was the roughest of years for Stratocruiser. On April 25, their long-time drummer Matt Brown suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. Having recorded all the tracks in 2011 and early 2012, the band took the remainder of 2012 to reassess, reflect and mourn the loss of a huge part of their sound and the engine that drove their rhythm section for 7 years. Deciding to forge onward and to cull a coherent set of songs that would serve as a tribute to Matt as well as new product for the band, Stratocruiser and Zip records present 12 new tracks that rock ferociously and feature the band's fallen member: Sitting Pretty at the End of the World.
The 12 songs on Sitting Pretty are a huge step toward a crunchy 70's-inspired arena rock sound that is more rooted in Aerosmith, Billy Squier, Cheap Trick, Free, Led Zeppelin and vintage Who. Often compared to janglepop and 60's pop/rock (Hollies, Badfinger, Big Star) as well as some 80's southern pop (REM, Connells, Dumptruck, Guadalcanal Diary), this record carves out grooves in a niche that rocks with a healthy dose of swagger but never sacrificing its pop heart. Yes, the guitars are a little crunchier and the rhythms are a bit more ferocious but the sacred melody is never sacrificed.
Shows and touring are scheduled for early 2013 with a series of charities for the American Heart Association in memory of Matt to promote Sitting Pretty at the End of the World. Stratocruiser will soldier on with a new drummer and has even more songs ready to go for a new release in the coming year. Not only is Sitting Pretty at the End of the World a tribute to a great friend and colleague, but it's a top flight rock album in its own right and ranks as the band's strongest effort to date.
