Who? When Switches frontman Matt Bishop (guitar/vocals) was just a wee lad, he was already impressing his nursery school classmates with his self-taught guitar skills on an electric guitar built by his Dad. By the time he reached university in Guilford, England in 2002, Bishop met Ollie Thomas (guitar), Jimmy G (drums) and Max Tite (bass), and Switches was born.
What’s the Deal? Combining foot-stomping drums and bass with tight vocals and sharp guitar riffs, Switches are as cocksure as their pop peers. The band’s debut long-player, 2007’s Heart Tunes to D.E.A.D, saunters with Franz Ferdinand-like flair and scoffs like the Automatic Automatic. One cannot ignore the glam rock energy of “Drama Queen” or the punky edges of “Lay Down the Law.” Thomas’ chunky riffs and Bishop’s boyish snarl is a perfect match, especially on hip-shakin’ “Got a Message from Yuz.” “The Need to be Needed,” with its Suede-like harmonic droning, highlights the band’s slightly emo side, strings and all, further suggesting that Switches can rock it from all sides.
Fun Fact: In 2002, Switches won their university’s Battle of the Bands competition. The grand prize was an opening slot on the Darkness’ nationwide tour.
Now Watch This:
Switches interview, backstage at Lollapalooza ’07
>> More Lollapalooza videos
Now Hear This:
Switches – “Lay Down the Law” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
Switches at MySpace
switchesmusic.co.uk
Talk: Do Switches turn you on?
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