Straight to Business

Carrying the torch high for Toronto's lo-fi slackers are Straight To Business, a fun-loving four-piece band of dudes who love fuzzy guitars and sunshine-y melodies. Their debut is packed with raucous little ditties that harken back to the part of the '90s that some people might describe as "simpler times." They're sloppy without actually sounding sloppy, a bit off-the-hinges, and they throw some curveballs, like the gigantic fast-slow-fast blues-rock monster "Wet Dream."

The surf-inspired guitar noodle of opener "Float" is bursting at the seams with summertime giddiness, and that continues onto "Cool." a blast of sugary-sweet guitar-pop that hits the ground running and never loses its energy. There's a bizarre detour with the sub-60-second "Voodoo Shack" that is kind of annoying, but thankfully short-lived, followed by the previously mentioned "Wet Dream," which makes for some odd flow right in the middle. But the second half is strong, with album highlight "Divebar" (featuring Sarah Savin) providing a hazy spiral of saccharine bliss thanks to Savin's beautifully simple pseudo-R&B guest vocals.

Straight To Business is the perfect sort of soundtrack to supply the tunes at your favourite skate park while you watch the sun go down. But STB should maybe stick to those vibes: They're the ones they do best. (Independent) - Exclaim!

Beach punk rockers, Straight to Business released their debut self-titled album late May. They have our ears with intriguing vocals, surf lo-fi sounds, gripping guitar riffs, and hypnotic drum rhythms. Straight to Business is clever and honest with creative sounds that keep you at the edge of your seat. “Float” opens the album with echoing vocals and fast harmonies that have us clapping hands to fun surf, drum vibes and floating guitars; paving way for the rest of the album. “Cool” takes off with a live performance vibe, entering a pretty guitar riff into a clever cool chorus, immediately making us sing a long. Next up, one of our favourites has got to be “Compassless”. Introducing a relatively slow groove, with a chunky heavy-ness that becomes clear and relative, with shoulder swaying drums and lip smacking lyrics.The track rollercoasters to the end, It’s a definite nod to grunge rock. Nearing the end of the album, you’ll run in to “Handle”- admittedly the very intro is a tad comical, whether intentional or not we’re thinking Jay and Silent bob, via Clerks 2. The tracks lyrics on the hopeless romantic side, with deep vocals and plucking guitars. “Da-do-do-do…I think I lost you at the bar”’. These guys create an all around interesting, fun, and new wave influenced album. From top to bottom, Straight to Business gives you a great listen. Surprising you with different instruments and out-of-nowhere musical genre hints. So, chill out and get straight to business. Don’t miss these guys live, check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with upcoming shows. - Deli-Magazine