The Answering Machine - Oklahoma
[High Voltage]

With the vast majority of Manchester’s students being crammed into Fallowfield, it was only a matter of time before an outstanding band emerged from the area.

The Answering Machine fit this bill, having had their first review and media attention from NME and releasing ‘Oklahoma’ through local up-and-coming label High Voltage.

Having been together for less than a year, their sound is surprisingly honed, and radiates confidence at every turn. Their Strokes inspired guitar kicks in straight away with sharp and jaggered sixties type strums. All-important freshness is added with the catchy chorus and lead singer Martin’s Northern tones giving a colloquial edginess and charm.

B-Side ‘The Hold Up’ keeps the sharp strums and sounds a little more dancey with the use of Mustafa Beat, the band’s pet drum machine. Unexpectedly, this track with its unbridled guitars and emotive vocals sounds faintly like moody American rockers Seafood.

The individuality and talent of The Answering Machine, however, requires no comparisons and will surely guarantee their signing and popularity in the near future.