Clothes Make The Man – Control

Band: Clothes Make The Man
EP: Control

Clothes Make the Man has been much buzzed about since their self-titled album was released in 2007, independently may I add. Since then they’ve been busy rockin’ the indie show scene, but they’ve also been working hard on recording with Julius “Juice” Butty (Alexisonfire, Protest the Hero). They have just released their Control EP, a teaser in anticipation of Distance, their full-length slated for release in early 2011.

Clothes Make the Man is comprised of Ryan McLennan (vocals, guitar), Scott Henry (guitar, vocals), Ross Machon (bass) and Phil Wilson (drums). This quartet has a lot to offer in the way of rock and roll. There is something distinct and notable about McLennan’s raw and fiery vocals that have the ability to immediately grab your attention, which is perhaps a reason why he’s been frequently compared to Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. Control features 4 of the songs that will be on Distance and is chalk full of exciting riffs, passionate vocals, deep bass lines and pounding drums. The guys have put together an EP that works together as a whole, but still changes pace to showcase the band’s versatility, especially McLennan’s vocals, particularly with “Wide Eyes Shout.” “Mean What I Say” is a song that I can envision getting a crowd to dance, while “Crusin’” is much more of a rock anthem. “Dreamless Nights,” which was recently featured on Degrassi is my favourite tune of the bunch, lyrically catchy but still remains edgy and unique.

We were able to catch these guys perform some hearty covers on a couple of occasions, once for an Untold City bash at The Boat and then at Sneaky Dee’s for some badass Nirvana covers. We know the kind of energy these guys are capable of bringing to the stage, but we’re really looking forward to seeing these guys perform their own rock tunes live. They’ve got a couple CD release shows coming up. Catch them in Toronto on November 11th at The Horseshoe Tavern (with By Divine Right and Teenage Kicks) or in Ottawa at Maverick’s (with Dinosaur Bones and Sandman Viper Command) on November 12th. Look out, everyone… Clothes Make the Man are coming for you!