Rupert Stroud is a Yorkshire born singer songwriter who is building a name through regular gigging and social networking.
This single, like his previous two albums, is released on his own label and pitches his bluesy voice squarely into strident Indie rock territory.
The official video shows him singing solo and playing an acoustic guitar despite the fact that this is a full electric band sound. Apart from anything else, this presentation seems a bit mean on backing musicians Mike Pearson (keyboards) and Mick Bedford (drums).
On Twisted Games the lyrics take on familiar dark avenues of sin, salvation, letting go of the darkness and knocking on heaven's door which suggest he's singing about a relationship from hell.
The b-side- No Peace Of Mind - has a lighter and softer feel but cliched lines like "My heart is on fire with desire burning deeply within" give the impression that he's trading in commonplaces rather than baring his soul.
On his website bio Stroud says that he doesn't want his songs to be too abstract or complicated which explains why the two songs on this single sound so conventional.
I can understand why he wants to avoid obscure wordplay but, at the same time, a little more emotional investment is sorely needed here.
