Debut single from Manchester trio.
Manchester-based trio The Answering Machine formed in the winter of 2005/2006 and began writing songs together with the aid of a drum machine names Mustafa Beat. Drawing on influences such as The Strokes, The Radio Dept. and Shout Out Louds, The Answering Machine are a fusion of pop melodies and indie raucousness.
After supporting bands such as Captain and Morning Runner, the band have been featured in the NME's coveted 'Radar' section, as well as building a Myspace following, something which seems crucial for modern indie fledglings. Debut single and double A-side Oklahoma/The Hold Up is a perfect pairing. The sumptuous rhythm of 'Oklahoma' is a perfect candidate for clandestine bedroom dancing, with Martin's vocals sounding reminiscent of Pete Doherty at the height of his talent.
'The Hold Up' continues swiftly where 'Oklahoma' ends, with a similarly infectious morsel of glorious indie. The Answering Machine appear to have everything right with their subtle blend of nostalgic indie and sparkling new ingredients. They show their influences, yet have managed to fuse them with their own spangling sound. The charm of these songs is irrefutable, and in a bland scene of carbon copies, The Answering Machine are spreading their wings that bit beyond other bands' scope. Keep your eyes pealed and pay attention, they may not be answering your calls for much longer.