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  The Storys - Cinnamon
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THE STORYS

The Storys are Steve Balsamo – vocals/guitar; Andy Collins – vocal bass; Dai Smith –vocals guitar; Rob Thompson – vocals/guitar; Brian Thomas – drums/percussion and Alan Thomas – keys/mandolin/banjo – a six piece 70s west-coast-influenced band from South Wales who formed in Spring 2003.

With four singer-songwriters all taking lead vocals on different songs, their sound is both fragile and intense, underpinned by a dark lyrical edge. They can turn from tender country-tinged ballad one minute to an as-wide-as-the-ocean stomp the next – in the same category as classic harmony vocal bands such as Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Crosby Still Nash and Young and The Beatles – all of whom also had multiple singers.

Formed with the intention of writing classic songs, with great hooks, melodies and lyrics, their beginning was prolific with songs falling out of the sky and behind every song is a story containing characters and a soundtrack of their lives. There was a natural vocal chemistry. Steve explains “Everyone would just sing a part and it would fit naturally. Nothing was worked out. We went for a ‘if it sounds good it is good’ approach and kept the natural parts event though they might have been musically imperfect.”.

The sumptuous sound of The Storys can be heard on their self-titled debut album – which has just been released in the UK to critical acclaim on the Korova/Warners label, as well as the singles ‘ ‘Cinnamon’ , ‘Be By Your Side’, ‘I Believe In Love’ and ‘Journey’s End’ throughout the year.

Before signing to Warner Brothers, the self-funded album was originally released independently through Absolute/Universal Music in 2005. The soft release received an incredibly favourable welcoming from press and radio. The Daily Telegraph wrote - “every track is a perfectly polished gem”.

The production duties on the album, were entrusted to Dai, with co-production from Rob. The album started its life in Rob’s kitchen with Dai recording some very vibey acoustic tracks before relocating to The Hall, a converted cinema, now a social club, in one-road-in-one-road-out Glyncorrwg in the Welsh valleys. The Hall has its own ghost, Carter, who would change the levels on the mixing desk to his liking and once, during recording of the strings, he was even caught on camera!


They played their first gig, to over 70,000 people at The Olympic Torch concert outside Buckingham Palace. They have supported Tom Jones and their other famous Welsh fans include Gavin Henson, Charlotte Church and Stuart Cable (Stereophonics).

They have already played many live radio sessions for the BBC including Radio 4’s Loose Ends, Radio 2’s Janice Long ; Johnnie Walker and Bob Harris.

The Storys played as ‘special guests’ on Elton John’s UK summer stadium dates .

"They have made a fantastic debut album, and I am really excited that they will be playing with me on tour" says Elton.



www.thestorys.co.uk

Press Quotes:

'Maybe it is because of our shared Welsh background that the Storys music resonates with me so much. Wonderful songs, great playing and instinctively beautiful harmonies. The album is a gem'.
Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

“Their blending of complex chord structures with simple melodies adorned with effortless, multi-layered harmonies is almost a perfect distillation of everything appealing about West Coast Americana, albeit that the outfit hail from the west coast of Britain…Every track is a perfectly polished gem…
Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph

“The Storys, display a rare charm and delicate sensibilities throughout the course of what is an incredibly accomplished debut album.”
Brett Callwood, Acoustic Magazine


“Big choruses, sweet harmonies, heart and soul...The Storys are the hairiest, most melodious band of West Coast rockers this side of the Atlantic... one to watch for 2005” –
Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph

“Balsamo has a truly spellbinding voice and The Storys' melodic mandolin-backed ballads and jaunty rockers should spark some serious interest when the band's debut album is released”
Lisa Verrico, The Times

"...classic West Coast FM rock. Its Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Crosby, Stills and Nash... It's simultaneously simple and complicated, and effective too...Balsamo and the band are pressing the right buttons."
Sound Nation magazine

“So that's what happened to Steve Balsamo!...he's only gone and ended up in this here six-piece, hammering out another UK take on that elusive west coastal summery thang…this is a promising enough debut, thanks to its intoxicating harmonies, carefree strumminess and mile-wide keyboardy glee. More thrilling than The Thrills, which is undoubtedly the point.
Playlouder.com

“'a rare charm and delicate sensibilities throughout the course of what is an incredibly accomplished debut album”
Acoustic Magazine

'They recreate the sound of the 70's' …An album of 'contrast and character' Uncut April 2006 Nigel Williamson

'Wonderful songs, great playing, big choruses and sweet harmonies that recall the 70's West Coast' 'Jaunty, jangling sunshine sound'
Uncut April 2006

'Heavily tipped by the music press as 'one to watch' in 2006
'rootsy quality, with flavours of Southern California'
'Catchy chorus and excellent harmonies'
Q Sheet Feb 2006

'Sir Elton John endorsed outfit from Swansea.'
'Peachy harmonies, sun baked melodies and chiming guitars dominate on their debut album' ****
Daily Mirror March 2006
'Lovely harmonies and polished melodies'
The Sun March 2006


'Folky, rocky feel with a touch of country'
'tipped as one of the big things of 2006'
Sunday Mirror 2006
'Soulful Songs embellished by the split harmonies'
Classic Rock 2006

“The Storys create impeccable West Coast rock, complete with lush harmonies and highly infectious choruses” ****
Sunday Express