Strains
Running The Lines/checkin' Out
This is the 16th entry in the Detroit covers series from I-94 Recordings. The Strains really bring the hard hitting, blue collar Detroit rock'n'roll with the impassioned original on the A-side and an inspired cover on the flip of a Torpedos classic (originally from 1979). Paul Grace Smith fronts The Strains on lead vocals and guitar. He is originally an Ohioan (Cincinnati) but has transplanted to the Motor City after spending time in Germany fronting the esteemed Dumbell. The rest of the "core" of The Strains is made up of more Ohioans (Dayton), with Jamy Holliday (guitar and vocals) and the mother/son tandem of Gretta Smak (guitar and vocals) and Kellen Mutter (bass and vocals). The drum stool features a rotating cast depending upon where the band is playing and who is available: Al King (featured in photos on the record), Illi Vassiliadis and Lionn Van Der Horst. Although the band is full of Ohio (you may know Jamy from Luxury Pushers, Mystery Addicts, Haunting Souls, or El No or Gretta from the Muzzies), this is very much a Detroit band. The Strains move like a gang, always travelling in a pack, ready to have one another's back if needed. They are like the Motor City Partridge Family. Their live show is loud and ferocious and full of energy.