The Struts: An Honest Review.
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- I am very found of #TheStruts particularly their frontman Luke Spiller. I've always wondered why they aren't more famous and more successful, they seem to be doing everything right...but what's going wrong? Do you agree? Let me know in the comments.
Here is a link to my chat with Luke: • Justin Hawkins Interro...
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Talk about the beautifully simplistic Christmas song you and Dan have a recent cameo on too...
Please come to Phoenix Arizona justin I fucking love your band
The short hair comment 😂. I think it was quite edgy IMO. Also will cheekily throw in I am still in love with the LOOK album.
Oh and talking about a bad hair day, I went through a phase of getting blonde tips but my last time was when they messed up so bad and made the whole top of my head orange 😅. Yeah.. I think we can think the worst but when your hair is actually ORANGE, it's genuinely a disaster!!
See You in Dublin Olympia. Fingers crossed!
@@richiep3520 well, I suppose the moral of the story is… IT COULD BE WORSE!
@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain That's it exactly. It really helps and couldn't be more relevant in the current climate. I hope you well and that you are all having a wonderful time on tour 😊
Will give the struts a listen later. Never really appeared on my radar. I have a very specific taste for only the best of the best 😁
There is absolutely NO ONE who can work a crowd like Spiller!!! Band is phenomenal and back up vocals are spot on! Hardest working young band out there...they deserve great success.
I agree, he might be the best frontman ever
I totally agree, he is amazing!
I had the chance to see Queen live and I feel Luke can be the greatest frontman of this years!
Finally got the opportunity to see them live in Philly last year after following them online for so long. They are amazing. It's honestly mind boggling that they are not HUGE, especially after their amazing performance at Victoria's Secret Show. Their frontman Luke is like a combination of Freddie and Mick, an abosolute stunner on vocal. Really hope they will be more widely recognized.
I’m dying with the “Victoria underwear parade” 🤣 And yes, it can’t be difficult to analyze or categorize a band when you are a genuine fan but if you even try to look a them from a distant or more objective perspective, even then you can see that they are amazing and have an incredible and unique modern sound. Great video!! 🙌🏻
The Struts are incredible live.
They seem to be trying the Def Leppard approach by trying to crack America first.
Lot's of tongue in cheek in those Struts lyrics.
Yeh. Except DL were new / talented not cosplay Quireboys. The vocals on Could have been me are piss weak with the Queen leanings equally painful and weak. I am sure they are local heroes a mile from their house. They make Spinal Tap real. Just embarrassing.
@@punkisinthedetails1470 Huh? Struts sound nothing at all like Quireboys, you could say that Quireboys have been listening to Faces albums too much but that's called influence isn't it?
Justin I love to hear you you have to say. The Struts YES should be bigger and better then they are. But to their fans they are #1! Well 2 years now held back with Epidemic and they continously tour in normal times without new recordings or concentration on new music. I for one love The Struts and wish to see them hit it big! They will, the right song needs to come along that one big hit!
I love The Struts and I'm going to see them tonight. I'm nowhere near being musically intelligent enough to have thought about it like you do here, but you've hit the nail on the head really. They've always felt, to me, like a band that is constantly fighting with their label. I think they want to be a rock band which is why their live shows are so f*ing good. When they're on stage they do what they want but then you can sense the studio meddling. Despite that, I still like many of their more basic 'pop' songs as Luke is a brilliant front man with a superb voice and the band is rock solid. I would love them to remove the record label shackles and stand proud, unashamedly as the rock gods they should be. Bands like Dirty Honey are coming through now and being unapologetic with their sound (also great) so why can't The Struts? Could Have Been Me, Kiss This, Put Your Money on Me, Where Did She Go, Black Swan and Matter of Time are all really fantastic tunes.
I agree with you on some of your points for sure. I think what it all boils down to for the struts, is that Luke is too focused on being the greatest band in the world.. I think that desire takes away and diminishes other parts of your soul. I think he would be best served by just doing his best and getting out there and giving his best and letting the chips fall where they may. Sometimes life is holding you back to teach us lessons and I believe truly that's why the struts are not as big as they could be. But you wait when Luke finally learns the lesson that he must learn. Mark my words the world will know the name the struts and many will come to love them just like me in the meantime be grateful for what you have that is another lesson. Personally I think the struts are extraordinary
A Squier AND a Harley Benton? That's bold!
ive got a blazer like that but I'm too fat to wear it ! loving your drip Justin
I disagree that it's the songs. The songs are very catchy. You can tell they put a lot of attention in the songwriting. I loved "Could have been me" when it came out. The problem is that Rock music is nowhere to be found in the mainstream. It's all hip hop, country and pop. Rock is nowhere in any award show, any New Years Eve show, etc.... Luke is a Grade A frontman, the band is good and write good tunes, but the music business doesn't care about Rock at the moment. Are any rock bands making giant waves in the business? Greta Van Fleet? Rival Sons? The Darkness? Pretty Reckless?? Anyone???? The Struts should be huge absolutely. Great band, excellent frontman with a killer voice and catchy tunes. Love The Struts. I've seen them 5 times. (I love The Darkness too!!)
Got a little story that involves both The Struts and The Darkness - Luke and I come from the same small town, but where Luke managed to get out and make a career of being a rock star and seeing the world, I got someone pregnant in my early twenties and ended up stuck here. I often feel called out by Could Have Been Me, to the point I couldn’t even listen to it (not personally called out, Luke doesn’t know me!).
Anyway I ended up making a living in a covers band after failing to do anything with my own music as so many do, and one NYE we were playing at our local pub and smashed through I Believe In A Thing Called Love - I look down at the crowd and none other than Luke was rocking out with his mates down the front. He came up to me afterwards and said ‘incredible voice mate’ to which I said ‘that means a huge amount coming from you’ and he got all awkward about it. Super humble guy! I’m so glad he’s out there doing what he does best, a thoroughly nice chap.
You underestimate, or understate the impact covers bands have on people. Bloody hell, I'm struggling to join or even start one. Covers bands are often our first taste of live music, and it seems both obtainable and (underestimating the time required to reach proficiency) evasive. Even when the middling-age musos reproduce half faithful renditions of AC/DC and Purple, I heard those songs there first. Remember that orchestra musicians are playing covers ha ha! Covers band musicians - if they aren't shit - are stars in their own right.
As you experienced, really successful people support and inflate others. Someday, it could all fall apart for people in famous bands, and you may end up playing with them. I know a certain covers duo that has an ex guitarist from Iron Maiden.
“Could Have Been Me” is the definition of being venerable, raw & open. One of the most ballsy songs ever written.
I like The Struts and wish multi-platinum albums and sold-out arenas would come to them soon. Lord knows they deserve it. Luke performing live is like seeing the best of Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger rolled into one. They are bringing back the lost art of being rock stars, and that is always a good thing!
I'd love to see The Darkness and The Struts tour together. What a dream show that would be! Make it happen, Jus!
Give that your a miss for sure 😂😂😂
YEAH ! I love both bands and would go see them .
The struts are the best band on the Earth. Their first album is flawless. Very rarely can a group make an album like that. They are a throwback to the '70s way more than any other band is but that is good cuz it's working for them. Luke does not try to be like this. He was born to be like this. And he should not change one thing. I can't wait to hear their next album. It's like waiting for another queen album or another Aerosmith album back in the old days. Luke is the s***. 🙏
I saw The Struts for the first time when they opened for the Foo Fighters. I was blown away. When they played "Kiss This" my jaw dropped. Well written rock anthem. I went to their show the following year. Love them!💜
I’ve seen the Struts six times. They always put on a great show. I am also baffled they are not bigger than they are. They have done big shows (like opening for the Foo Fighters). But mostly play smaller venues (like the Roxy in L.A). They deserve to win Grammys and play stadiums. I hope they will achieve wider success someday.
I love the Struts. Been able to see them twice so far here in the States. I love their vibe and attitude. My only quibble is that I find their albums to be overly produced and pop-ish, whereas their live sound is way more guitar driven and rock n roll.
There a fun band to see they know how to get the crowd involved.
I never understood how One Night Only wasnt huge! I saw Luke do Under Pressure with the Foos and thought "who is this guy? he's a Rock Star!" Then I saw One Night Only. I thought that had it all! Melody, hooks, killer energy and a vid you couldn't take your eyes off. I thought they'd be mammoth by now. Hope they keep after it and don't get discouraged. They've definitely got it!
ONO is awesome. Perfection
Love the Struts! Luke is a beautiful artist and a wonderful front man! The whole band rocks! Mega talented guys 🎶
Nailed it. The Struts are by far one of the best live bands I’ve seen in ever. Luke is such an dynamic performer and an outstanding frontman!!
Hello
The Struts remind me of 70s rock and glam rock music with the way Luke Spiller sings.
Luke Spiller is on the same level as Janis Joplin, Robert Plant, Sweet and Freddie Mercury (of course).
Have you seen the music videos with Luke Spiller and Mike Oldfield another great musician?
I hope they become the new The Rolling Stones, a rock band that never ages and gets to play and be stars for several decades - if they themselves wish for this of course.
I wish them all the best and hope to see and hear them live someday. I live in Gothenburg/Sweden and wish they will perform in my city.
But it rarely happens that way. Most bands perform in the capital - Stockholm 😒
Warm and friendly greetings from
Pia Kragh 🌹
Love Justin's analysis, but Im not sure he's right this time round. Lots of bands come out full of bravado with anthemic songs at the start, Oasis for one (one of the biggest rock bands in UK history) had songs on thier record breaking debut album with lyric such as "toniiiight Im a rockin roll star!" elsewhere "I need to be myself, I cant be no ones else, Im feeling supersonic'. Stone Roses debut album "In am the resurrection and I am the light' elsewhere "the past was yours but the futures mine" "I wanna be adored". I could go on.
I LOVE The Struts. RUclips led me to them in 2017, and I've been hooked ever since. I've seen them 3x now, they are just amazing to see. I will never understand why they aren't blowing up charts based on my streaming and buying alone :)
I love The Struts to no end. I appreciate your goal of exploring why they aren’t as big as they should be- because they deserve ultimate success!!! You asked for feedback from your video so here goes....
If you review more carefully you will find Could Have Been Me IS a beginning point song- a "take that leap” song. It charted in the states, went gold and is used in movies, video games, sports arenas and commercials to this very day (Halsey is singing it in a movie coming out next week as a matter of fact). Lyrics from it are tattooed on people and credited for literally saving some fans' lives. So I think it has proven to resonate and have mass appeal and success.
Many of their song lyrics ARE more specific and detailed, and Luke has gotten even more personal in lyrics recently- of course I agree that more of this would be wonderful. I sometimes wonder about the label's choice as to what songs get (or more to the point DON'T get) pushed out as singles. The deeper the dive the more to love with The Struts- so there’s no harm in showcasing MORE.
Regarding featuring a more raw sound in recording, you skipped right over their most recent album Strange Days which was literally four guys in a room playing straight rock n roll and kicking ass! But that's probably because, despite Loudwire and Loudersound declaring it one of the top albums of the year (both critically and by fan vote), the album was barely promoted by the label much past its initial release.
Which brings me to my take: I wish for the label to trust the band's creative choices, increase the pace of song releases (more studio time in order to keep up with the band’s creativity, with maybe a well-promoted, larger venue/ fewer cities style touring to allow for this), and provide a more regular promotional presence to support all they do.
Luke is a legend on and off the stage and each of the band members have great talent & incredible personal appeal. FYI many of their wonderful opportunities came not as much from generic connections as you imply and more often from people in those organizations reaching out to The Struts (e.g. Luke is a Funko Pop and the band has a Funko cereal because Funko wanted this to happen, not the other way around!)
They are a stellar band on every level and have everything it takes to bring joy to the masses for a lifetime. I think if the label trusted them more in their creative choices, and they had a consistent social media team to support and promote all they do regularly, the world would be a better place. Because the world is better with The Struts. If you made it this far thanks for reading. 😅
Well said, agree completely!
Hi Luke!! 👋
Agree!
Perfect response
I was planning on some long and intelligent reply to this frankly superb post, but actually all I can say is - here here, what he said!
The entire band are amazing, I've met them a few times and they are just the most normal Lads living the dream they never thought they would get the chance to live.
Could have been me is absolutely a prelude song to their success, and defo not some arrogant we've done it song. It's about no matter the turmoil, the heartache, or the knock backs, they just want to say they tried and did all they could. They don't want a life of regrets and as long as you try, that's all that matters.
By the way, I've got the Luke funko pop toy. Ha ha. Pride and joy on the fire mantle.
I think you're dead wrong. Could Have Been Me, to me is about pushing forward, going after what you want...makes perfect sense to me. It's my experience that when a band doesn't get their due...its management.. 9 out of 10 times. They will get there..they are the best band I've listened to since back in the 80s! Love them.❤
In my opinion, they are the best band of the last 20 years. A bit of a throwback band but with a modern feel.
They have many great songs but my faves are Burn It Down and Gimme Some Blood.
At the end of the video you said the thing that I was thinking since the beggining of it: their production/sound is not good - it's not shite, but sometimes is borderline bad sounding. The songs are there, the performances are also there. But everything sounds squashed on plug-ins and what have you. Making their music kinda bland and vanilla sounding. One of the many qualities about the Darkness is how great their records have always sounded - every single one of them. BTW: give some love to Hot Cakes on the setlists - at least bring "With a Woman" back. C'imon it's just cruel to have a song like that and not play it.
I don't think you have any idea what you are talking about but fair enough.....
I took my 18 and 22 year old daughters with a group of their friends to see The Struts recently and they all came away as huge fans. Of course they have all grown up during a time where this type of music is no longer in the mainstream so it was a completely new experience for them. It was amazing to see how they all immediately responded the second the band hit the stage. After the show my 18 year old asked me how it was possible that they were not superstars. They are all asking me when they are coming back so we can all go see them again.
I really love the Struts. They are a GREAT live band. The problem is their studio work doesn’t capture their live sound.
Struts aren't widely popular the same reason you're not widely popular (anymore) .. It all comes down to the songs. You proved with The Darkness that if you have an undeniable, catchy banger that can resonate with millions of people everywhere, like "A Thing Called Love", and a major label behind it, you will most likely be huge. The Darkness has a MUCH bigger fanbase and more respect than The Struts, so why aren't YOU huge these days? It's your songs. You never wrote a comparable hit like A Thing Called Love.. I like your other songs as a rock fan and musician, but Thing Called Love tramples them all. My advice to all musicians, especially stubborn rock musicians who have trouble writing hits, is to not be afraid to collaborate with songwriters like they did in the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Heart for example, their biggest songs were written by two dudes. Some of the biggest songs of all time were written by people outside the band. You should give it a try 😉.
Those are some harsh truths that need to be said. When you have the looks, the label machine, the connections, the talent, all the exposure that millions of bands would kill for, and still you're not popular, the culprit has to be the songs are lacking. Same problem with that HAIM band, and hundreds of signed bands.
Let’s add another important reason: today kids like rap. Rock is no longer trendy for them like it was for us. Label have less and less power because nobody buys records anymore.
You have a point there, but no. There’s something you’re losing sight of. Money. The amount of money a major label pays for its artist/product to be played on radio or TV and to be "invited" to events/shows is obscene. There’s a big machine behind it. Therefore, artists who are in independent labels that aren't "attached" to a major label are hardly heard outside the artist’s country. And that’s how bands of genres that aren’t mainstream, or that don’t have a long trajectory to back them up, aren't, or aren't longer, popular. And even so, the fact that a band is popular, with big sales, lots of streamings and youtube reproductions is not inversely proportional to talent, or production quality or how brilliant the lyrics are.
Pretty much nailed it. Bands need to put their egos aside and work with songwriters/producers/co-writers, ******especially top-line writers*******
@@astrid.r exactly, but only major labels can do that, and they sign you only if you’re already doing well and they feel they can make lots and lots of money with you. Because the marketing machine costs millions. If you’re good but not trendy, the don’t even try. Indie labels are sometimes useless, for a new artist a PR agency, a booking agency and a distribution (digital aggregator) for self recorded albums are a better choice today.
Grammy's and BRIT awards seems like an institutional award. Not really indicative of how good a band is. I've heard of them but haven't really looked into them. Excited to deep dive their music.
I'd really like Justin to talk about the Lyrics of The Darkness' discography, how they came about, the meaning to the band, etc.
They're a rock n roll band they don't mean anything!
@@vanzandt8809 I think you'll find they do
@@vanzandt8809 Lol
@@vanzandt8809 which is why I find Justin's critique of this song a bit of a headscratcher.
They're a little formula.
They're great. And they're young. Still developing. Some of the Hawksters comments are bang on; for me much better live than on record. Great bunch of people and thank fuck someone is putting some fun back into rock. Or should I say someone else!
Ok, I had not heard of this Band!...
Ive just watched all the vids of the band as you were calling out songs.
It's very very derivative,....in a kind of....I knew after one chorus he loves 'Saint Freddie of Mercury', thats cool, but overplaying that card isn't. The 'Yea's, and Freddie-isms during the breakdown in Could have Been Me were painful. Probably the 'fatal producers error' of, what would (insert legend here!) do over this song?. And the vocal loses all sincerity at that point. And Autotune!?!?! REALLY????? I mean, did Beethoven use autotune?!?!?!... NO!... the Prosecution rests M'Lud!.
The songs sounded very 'overly organised' and a little too pretty in the true Desmond Child (even before his name was mentioned I knew he had some input) school of songwriting. I know DC is a great writer, but that doesn't mean that whatever he writes is great!. And when collaborations of this type happen, some sincerity is the trade off as you got your mate to do your homework for ya (help going through the hell of trying to actually finish writing a song!). Again the sincerity of the song is compromised at this point.
The band sound too generic, and not unpredictable at all. I mean, this is a guitar band all day and twice on Sundays right!?!?!...
Where is the sound of 'real threat' that kinda goes with that coming from in the recordings?.... It's just all really nice... and not in a good way. Again insincerity at the production level... I bet it all sounds much better live!. And i'd put my drinks cabinet on that!!
They are a very talented bunch, thats undisputed from me!... I mean who wouldn't wanna look like that and be able to sing like that?...and some decent songs that I think would have been interesting if not for the 'safe hands' of DC. It seems/feels/sounds 'too nice and polite', like a pop/fashion/fake band dressing up like a 'Real' band. I mean why are we surprised that they didn't pass the 'smell test' with people who are crying out for something sincere at the moment?... Ludicrous question really, but interesting for the sake of this discussion. Why is the World destroying Truth?. (Thats next weeks topic!. sorry).
Personally, I agree with you JH!, get your Bro to produce it properly, you 'assist' on the songwriting front when they get stuck, get them drunk/high, and get them in a bit of trouble... and we'll all meet back here in 6 months when the 'Where have this lot been?' articles start coming out in the usual nonsensical musical journals.
Its like being given a Ferrari and driving round at the speed limit!... I mean, what the f**king point?!
And, as for the "I just want to bring happiness!", is he a Rock Star or filling in a Miss World application?.
Take a risk fella's.... I second the motion of the Hawkins Bros sorting you right out!. ;)
My work here is done, Haha. (Well you asked! ;).
Thats hilarious!. And I agree with it all!.
Couldn't agree more. Painfully derivative imo. With an added whiff of desperation....not a good look. And the Paris Jackson thing I just watched, jfc 😳
i saw them in italy in 2019.... god they're FANTASTIC... huge stage presence, the show was powerful ANd so fun!!!
I've seen The Struts live twice, seeing them again in May, absolutely love them! I tell everyone about The Struts that I can. First time I saw them was at a festival in North Carolina, they were on just before Billy Idol and I was blown away with just how captivating they are. Their energy on stage is great! Hope to see them get to the heights they deserve soon.
Luke is the real deal. I am a fan as well. My take on The Struts in terms of success in the U.S. is that their British sensibilities will not go over so well here and some of their songs seem gimmicky at best. I really enjoyed their earlier work and more recently Primadonna Like Me. The video was great. Not really sure what it will take for them to level up. Still think they have loads of talent and a great work ethic.
Guitar music just isn't remotely as popular as it was 10 years ago.
They clearly love The Sweet. The Sweet were freaks. The Struts need to get freaky w their songwriting. Make people think WTF are the Struts thinking? Blow minds. Take their writing further than Sweet, Bowie, Bolan, Glitter. Take us on an insane glam acid trip. Please!
I watched your interview with the vocalist last night, been checking out their stuff today! They’re honestly awesome! I love his phrasing too! For me it’s a bit like if mark bolan had a music baby with queen!
Thanks for turning us on to them big man! 🔥
Hi guys. X
Hi Matt! I’m gonna message you! Miss you endlessly x
I believe we all want to see A Darkness/The Struts Tour!
You nailed it, they need to focus on being the rock band they are meant to be. I fell in love with them about 4 years ago, but they lost me on their 3rd album. Too pop. The first album is amazing. Also agree about song topics... need to delve deeper than sex and partying.
I’m in the top .05% of their Spotify listeners which was recently pointed out to me by Spotify 2021 wrapped. The day isn’t complete without with the Struts, Killer band!
The struts are amazing, they def deserve more credit
Two things:
1) Young people are into hip-hop, not rock.
2) Older people measure all new bands against the mega-bands of the past.
A great example of what is going on is from an interview Jack White once gave. He was furious (and rightly so) at the criticism drummer Meg White was getting at the time The White Stripes came on the scene. He said she was being criticized, ridiculed and almost condemned, for not being Neil Peart.
So, if you're reading this, Struts, don't despair. We are living in a strange time. And, hell, you still have better jobs than I do.
Fell in love with a girl was a breath of fresh air. Buzzcocks style drumming was a great fit on that tiny kit.
Yes, and there are loads of younger people now who are like 2)
Comparing newcomers to artists who became established artists more than 40 years ago is so silly.
I live in the States where The Struts are more known than The Darkness. In fact I discovered you through them! 🙌 I appreciate your thesis that writing more from the heart will help them cross over- but using Could Have Been Me as an example of NOT makes me feel you missed the whole point of of the song. “Don’t wanna wake up on a Monday morning- the thought of work is getting my skin crawling” is probably one of the most relatable line of lyrics ever written.
Yesssss
I’m a huge struts fan and I think luke is the best vocalist in the world right now - at least from a rock point of view
But I think their most recent album was a misstep (written and recorded in 2 weeks is automatic alarm bells ringing) and the duet with Paris Jackson didn’t don it for me at all. For a band that I know has such a high ceiling I’d really like to see them go for it on the next record
I saw them do the Low Key In Love song live with just Luke singing and that version was far superior to the duet with the pop production. They must have been talked into that unfortunately.
I'm seeing them tonight and I'm hoping they play this as I suspect their solo version sounds great
I just had to plug my guitar into my practiceamp and strum hard on Black Shuck for a while....The best riff AC/DC never wrote.
Thanks for your channel Justin.
You’re Justin Hawkins....you don’t have to add ‘from The Darkness’, you’re not Lee or Duncan or H who have to add from Blue or Steps. 🙂
Ye but its funny.
Justin can I recommend that you check out a song Luke did with his mate called Sunnyside. You want a personal song and you might like it. Very location/time specific.
You raise good points about the production and recording of the band. It never seems to capture the energy of their shows. A good live or acoustic album is needed at this point.
But will respectfully disagree about the having to choose between rock and pop. I've seen a few people say the same thing over the years about The Struts and it has never sat right with me. I find it pretentious and also a bit restrictive. You'd never say to a fan 'you can either attend pop concerts or rock shows but not both'. Why say it to a band?
When they came out they reminded me so much of the Darkness and Foxy Shazam. Love this band!
It might be the bands name “the Struts” sometimes I get it confused with the “the Strokes” but anyways they are definitely a great rock band with catchy melodies and absolutely phenomenal live shows.
I've made the same mistake.
I have been a massive fan of the Struts for years. I also have no idea why they are not massive in this country. The radio stations in the UK would not play their songs. God knows why. They are massive in USA. I am glad you bought this video out, as I have always wondered why they are not massive over here.
The Struts are to Guns and Roses what Bush were to Nirvana. Struts are from Bristol which has always had much better music to offer than this karaoke Mercury / Roderick Hefley on heroine lookalike slash Noel Fielding impersonator. What does London and their copycat "antics" have anything to with should have been me? More embarrassing than Donny Tourette.
I only discovered them in the past 2 months (surfing youtube and stumbling upon duets with Luke and Taylor). Since then I am a HUGE fan and have watched every available video, bought every available song, and am eagerly waiting their upcoming concert in a few weeks (please COVID don't ruin it). I honestly think the biggest problem is timing. They were on a huge upswing just as COVID hit. They look amazing live, but I would actually love to see an acoustic show. Regardless, hoping they get the recognition the so deserve as soon as we can go back to live music.
An obvious case that the record labels can't handle rock bands, only pop artists. Strange Days and 5-6 others of their songs should have crushed the Billboard charts. Poor guys they live musically around the 2020's with a music which has real instruments, real players and a top class singer...
I think their two best songs are Primadonna Like Me and Put Your Money on Me.
But I'm not sure they're the kind of band you think they are. They put on a killer live show, and they're a great straight-ahead rock band, with pop influences. But when it comes to songwriting, they're just not Radiohead. I don't think they have that kind of complexity in them. But that's ok. Not every band is going to be massive.
Justin Hawkins…A thinking mans Vince Noir
The Struts are great ...Love the QUEEN element they have but, they still have originality
The Struts are great. But, maybe, old school style rock music has a limited audience in a world dominated by pop/soul/hip-hop hybrids like Drake, The Weeknd, etc.
I do think there is a space for rock music now, but no one is doing anything especially fresh and exciting with it. There's really no need to try to be the 70s like most of these bands do.
Gonna give the Struts another go. Another thing… WHERE WAS YOUR THEME TUNE?? I really missed it not being in the video 🥲
I had never heard of them and saw them in Dallas in 2023, wow - what a show and what a front man. My favorites after hearing zero songs before the concert are “Kiss This”, “Body Talks”, and “Pretty Vicious. If they come to your town, don’t miss the show
I occasionally wonder why this band never got larger than they are. I’m glad it came across this video.
I absolutely love The Struts. I can't wait to see them in concert in the States. I want them to be huge.
Never heard of this band until going through this RUclips channel. Listened to a few songs. Just nothing interesting about the songwriting for me that grabs my attention. Seem mainly style over substance.
I was first introduced to The Struts during the Foo Fighters 2017 tour, and have been a fan ever since. I later saw them headline a small club near my hometown and never stopped smiling the whole show. I would see them any time they come near and will buy every album they release, although I will agree that their latest album definitely had a "poppier" feel. I do hope they are able to retain some edge in their music going forward, while keeping their knack for catchy hooks. I feel like they're kinda like Sweet in that aspect.
I'm confused by this. If this is some publicity stunt I don't get it. I'm a Struts fan, and also a Darkness fan (I need to listen to the Darkness more honestly. I'm more new to you guys), but hearing this makes me not want to listen to either of your bands. Were I not already a fan of these bands; I would take away that the struts are basically crap (so why would I listen), and you seem to be making an uninformed video sort of talking crap? (Which makes me not want to listen to the Darkness either). I don't get this tactic if this is meant to be an attention thing.
If this isn't just to get attention and this is legit. Im even more confused. You sound like you've never heard the struts in your life, and I know you know Luke.......sorry for being rambly......but yeah I'm not sure what this video is trying to achieve. Critique is perfectly fine but this seems very uninformed and not well researched.....just my take ...sorry 😐
I like them! I saw the Struts live in 2019: one of the best gig I attended.
The Struts were the last show I saw in-person as COVID hit. They were great, great musicians, great vocals, great energy. (Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA)
I don’t understand how they aren’t a household name.
@@catherinefrazier2478 I was at that show too! Love The Struts
Gimme a break haha. The Struts aren't HUGE because they're SHITE.
True
I did not know of The Struts until about five months ago upon hearing them mentioned by Dave Grohl, and I have been a fan ever since. I do, however, agree with you regarding over-production. For myself, I prefer watching their live performances than listening to their studio albums. I will take issue with you in regard to "Could Have Been Me;" he is speaking in the present tense, declaring that he wants to take all opportunities and chances now, rather than live with the (future) regret of not knowing. In my opinion, lyrically, their deepest song is on the Young and Dangerous album, and it is called "Ashes (Part 2)." I would be curious as to the inspiration for this song. It seems to be about the death of one's significant other, which really resonates with me having been widowed about 20 months ago.
Keep doing what you do, and I will keep watching.
Just now falling for The Darkness. They are incredible. Get back out there!
I thought this was a video about Dokken from the thumbnail. Looked like a photo of Don Dokken that I had never seen. Anyway, where's your Dokken video?
🤣👍
I just scrolled the comments to see if anyone would say this. TOTALLY thought it was Don Dokken. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Kind of disappointed it isn't.
I find them rather obvious and derivative, Like they are actors in a movie about a band.
The Struts was a bad choice of name for this genre. It makes me think of every indie landfill band from 20 years ago.
Haha yeah
The Struts are insanely great! I've seen them live twice and they should be huge!
I totally agree with this, which is why - 'Mary Go Round' is one of my favourite songs of theirs. I mean, I love all of their music, truly. But Mary hits differently.
The Struts're huge! Whotcha talkin' about? Well, they're big enough, anyway. 🤨
I don't believe I'm familiar with the struts. Are they a proper, honest to god rock band then? Cos that would be pretty cool.
I remember seeing them one here some time ago. I couldn't help but think "Aping Freddie. Aping Freddie. Aping Freddie." It was a decent song IMO but I felt he was just _too_ derivative. I think that sinks them.
I saw them live on their first US tour…f’n amazing!!!!!! I swore they were going to be the catalyst that brought rock n roll back to the forefront….I’m still shocked it hasn’t happened.
Their music isn't really convincing... It lacks emotion and sincerity. Something can be camp but still be real.
Struts is a great modern classic rock band, if we could label them.
The Struts produced by the Hawkins brothers... now that's something I'd love to see happen 🤟🎸
I think it's incorrect to suggest the generalising lyrical content of Could Of Been Me is one of the reasons for the band's lack of success especially in the UK. If you take The Enemy for example, their first two songs, Had enough and Away from here had an almost identical lyrical style and did very well in 2007.
I think it's more to do with the fact that music and more sadly, guitar music isn't as important to people nowadays as it once was. If The Struts were around in the late 90s or early 00's they would of been huge. Back then people would play music at any given opportunity and nowadays they scroll through social media to fill the gaps in their day.
I watched ELO live at Wembley last night and it really highlighted the difference in talent and risk taking that was involved in music many years ago.
I hope this comment makes sense.
I think you're 100 percent correct. They seem to be doing well and I think making a good living in a rock band in 2021 is an accomplishment.
I really appreciate you being able to critique your friend in such an honest and open and kind way. Musically it can only be all for the better.
Managed to see the struts at reading festival this year they blew me away!
They don't float my boat Justin!
just watched them after seeing your vid this is just what we need reminds me when queen first started great voice good look .
Yeah... No mention of KISS THIS!!?!??
This band really are cool. Since I first heard this band I thought, how are they not more popular!?
I am glad you apreciate them though.
The first song sounded like they were going for a Slade thing and the second one just made me think of Olivia Newton John 'Physical'.
So I went back and had a really good listen to the Struts.
So personally the reasons I don’t think there massive even though they have some real strong points is they sound a little too pastiche and almost forcing the writing of pop hits.
The Struts are my favorite band. I fly their tour flag in my garage.
The struts are the MOST amazing live band. I get Justin’s analogy that the the studio side of things sterilizes that. Put your money where your mouth is maybe and let’s see a Darkness / Struts tour. (Who will support who?!) Love the Darkness and the Struts (also enjoyed Justin with SAS band very much!) so hope a collab’s on the cards.
NOT a fan (Unlike of The DARKNESS!!! ) but what I've heard of The Struts, I liked! I think they are very good at what they do. VERY underrated I think! Sad! A bit of Freddie there in Luke too!
I think that they have tried to be too much of pop and rock at once to try and appeal to both crowds… this however actually has made them appeal to less people because rock fans don’t think they have an edge like Dirty Honey or Greta van Fleet do and there are much more pop artists with appeal out there. If they go rock I think they’ll kill it… I sincerely think freeing Adam Slack and turning up the guitar on tracks would go a long way… (I’m a fan of the band btw and have thought this since their first record)
Absolutely agree, there's a reason they became my favorite band once I saw them live. When the production is stripped away, the band sounds raw and they're absolutely killer. The production has killed what people think of Adam Slack as a guitar player, because he is one of the best out there. Great band all around that should definitely get a new producer.
came here to say this exact same thing. as a fan of all three bands (struts, greta, dirty honey) who has seen the struts live twice, i enjoy them so much more in a concert environment than i do listening to their songs because the album tracks have this "pop sheen" that makes the music much less raw and rock 'n roll than it should be and than i think they ultimately want. i get that their primary inspiration (queen) was more on the pop side at times too, but in this case i feel like it's hurting them.
EXACTLY
The Struts are ace and I've liked them since they played the 2nd stage at Bingley Music Live 6 (7?) Years ago. Luke is a cracking frontman.
Low key in love 😍 awesome
ACDC never worried about all that soppy stuff and they did alright 🤟
They are a tad overrated though. And I don't get how ACDC are really any different.... There songs all sound incredibly similar.