31 March 2010 Pete Lawrie - How Could I Complain? EP

Born in Liverpool and following a somewhat nomadic existence via London and Manchester, Pete Lawrie finally settled in South Wales.   Ever restless and armed with a CV which lists more jobs than he’d care to remember including a petrol garage attendant and membership of various bands, Pete decamped to Berlin in his early twenties to write.   Whilst resident there and via the wonder that is the virtual world of MySpace, he came to the attention of Rollo Armstrong of Faithless.   Rollo coaxed Pete back to Wales where the two began working together and then flagged up the fledgling pedigree of Pete's voice and capacity as a writer and performer to the industry.

 

Now back in South Wales Pete is building a loyal following, deliberately shunning the lure of bright lights and temptations elsewhere but all the while honing his craft.   This is an artist whose focus is the song and the words, the consequence of which has seen a groundswell of plaudits from further afield resulting in this EP on Field/Island Records.

 

The record sees a singer/songwriter fronting some truly beautiful songs; be it the euphoric reaching sensibilities of title track ‘How Could I Complain’, the plaintive story telling tones of ‘Paperthin’ with its  gorgeous arrangements or the intriguingly titled, piano-based wonder  of ‘Jimmy and The Birds On Fire’.

 

The EP is the onset of what will be a timeless selection of delightful handcrafted songs, a mere stepping stone for the future … How Could You Complain?

 

‘How Could I Complain’ EP is released on April 26^th through Field/Island and will be available on CD and download only.

 

The songs in Pete’s words… 

 

‘How Could I Complain?’ (Written by Pete Lawrie / Produced by Rollo Armstrong & Pete Lawrie)

 

I spent a long time last year and the year before that navel gazing as my mother would call it. Worrying and complaining. Neurotic self absorption. This song was a kick up my own exhausted backside. We are all guilty of wallowing. It's the weather I think. I wrote this in a tiny stifling box room in Bangkok. I was having a ball and it hit me like the heatwave I was sweating in. Look around you. You have everything you could ever want at your fingertips. "I've seen the light, I can't explain, how could I complain?" 

 

‘Panic’ (Written by Pete Lawrie / Produced by Rollo Armstrong & Pete Lawrie)

 

As I mentioned before I worry. I worry a lot. Too much worry and it's like my brain needs to let the steam out. In that moment, I can be prone to pretty bad panic attacks. They are terrifying, exhausting and strangely exhilarating. For years I have tried to explain them and fight them. I have since learnt it's about accepting them and not being scared of them. It’s just a fear of fear. This song is a big 'come on then, lets have you' to that feeling, to panic. "Come on panic, take a shot at me" 

 

‘Paperthin’ (Written & produced by Pete Lawrie)

 

In 2006, I moved into a first floor flat in the Welsh town of Penarth, my hometown. It was me, Elliot (drums) and a best mate of ours Dafydd. We didn't have a shower, any money at all and were all going through varying degrees of emotional distress. We shared everything from mattresses to value noodles. To this date it was the most fun I have ever had. I love those boys. "The summer that I had, with the people I adore, best friend living on the bedroom floor" 

 

‘Jimmy and the Birds on Fire’ (Written & produced by Pete Lawrie)

 

I fell out with a good friend of mine. We used to write and play together. If not for this person, I’m not sure I would love songs and words like I do. We were both too proud to back down. This was my sorry letter. "Too much pride on both our parts, those old songs, still playing in my heart"