Laruso - Plain Paper Napkins

by Fiona Hutchings

published: 13 / 8 / 2009

Label: Autonomy Music Group
Format: CDS

Appealing latest single from Sheffield-based group Laruso, which captures the high and lows of all groups

Review

Laruso are a five piece band from my home city of Sheffield. The blurb with the CD describes 'Plain Paper Napkins' as an ode to all struggling bands. The mental image of a frustrated muso scribbling heart felt lyrics on to whatever is at hand is certainly well enmeshed in the rock 'n' roll collective concious. But does the song deliver? At first the crashing guitars and pounding bass threaten to overwhelm the song and the vocals entirely but as we approach the chorus the lead singer Liv comes to the foreground and it feels like the whole song goes from being a little too fragmented and headstrong into something more refined and mature. The resulting song gives a real sense of the highs and lows of any band, but especially one endlessly touring. Having hit the road with various other bands recently, Laruso are now set to play their own headline shows and if this single is anything to go by, they are ready to grasp the opportunity fully.