As the guitarist for Money for Rope, Lou Scarrs appeared to be at the top of his game. The band played Glastonbury and South by Southwest, to say nothing of the leading festivals here in Australia. But he risked it all to follow his own musical vision and go solo. If he felt any nerves, they don’t seem to show in his first EP, What We Do.
The music of this EP reminds me a little of the sounds of Robbie Williams or the Kaiser Chiefs. There are vocal similarities with both these British acts, but also a similar rebellious attitude and cockiness that makes Lou’s music irresistible.
The EP bursts out of the gate with the bold title track. I love the deep thumping drums and confident lyrics. “All I Ever Knew” is brooding and intense, and above all totally compelling. “Lapdog” is a song of such strength, an anthem for emotional independence. Lou Scarrs keeps his foot on the pedal for the closing track “Measure Up.” It’s got a similar anthemic quality that’s so satisfying.
The songs of “What We Do” are punchy, with all tracks around that magic three-minute mark. It takes considerable skill to create tracks in that perfect pop form, but this is more than the disposable pop so many commercial radio stations flog. Elements of rock and electronica influence this music, helping it sound fresh and dynamic. Lyrically it’s also so strong. In just four tracks, Lou Scarrs has left his mark.