Safe As Houses

Safe as Houses is an alternative-folk band from Kitchener-Waterloo

I have had the pleasure of seeing these four musically gifted gentlemen four times along with Keep The Change in the past year and oh my have they grown.

Their music follows in the footsteps of Mumford & Sons, with orchestral arrangements big builds that when they are on their game (and they usually are) will leave you with goosebumps. Just over a year ago they released their debut album Sink My Boat available on itunes.

For a first attempt I give them kudo’s on the work, If you find it is not what you expected…. If you thought it would be more, keep in mind that a band that plays and practices regularly will only improve. The album does not do justice to what you will experience when you see these young lads live, particularly if you are listening to it on tiny speakers with a tinny sound.

Recently they made it through to the National Top 20 on CBC Searchlight If you get a chance to see these guys live, preferably in a pub or a lounge with good acoustics I’m sure you will be blown away.

@_SafeAsHouses_ Keep up the great work Guys!

Looking forward to the next release! - Bam Productions

The expression Safe As Houses comes from an old English expression meaning secure.

Tom and Andrew Laughton, Elliot Anton and Bensen Carter also believe it's a unique way to say thanks.

"We want to show that we come from a really supportive background," says Tom Laughton who, with brother Andrew, has British roots. "Our parents and our friends played a huge role in making this happen. And we could not have done anything without (Eliott's father) Jeff Anton. So it's almost an owe-it-to-them thing.

"We are very stable — Safe As Houses," affirms Laughton with a grin.

With an age range of approximately 16 to 22, this young quartet creates gorgeous melodies mixed with rich harmonies. Safe As Houses hearkens back the golden '60s folksong sound of Simon and Garfunkel, tempered with the '80s alt-rock sound of R.E.M. and lilting guitar riffs of Mumford and Sons.

Their latest single, We'll be Dancin', recently made it to CBC Radio's Searchlight competition.

And now their all-ages audience is flourishing.

The Safe As Houses foundation is built with Tom Laughton on drums and percussion; Andrew Laughton, lead guitar, banjo and mandolin and vocals; Eliott Anton, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; and Bensen Carter on bass, cello and ukulele.

Their debut album is a personal reflection about love, including title song Sink My Boat, which was also translated into a haunting video shot in Tobermory by local filmmaker Zach Ramelan.

Tom Laughton credits guitar teacher Dave Rodgers at Waterloo's Renaissance School of the Arts for bringing the band together. He says he and Carter write most of the songs, with some penned by Anton, but everyone in the band contributes through their unique musical strengths.

With songs "90% written," the band's next CD, including current hit single We'll Be Dancin', will have more of an "organic, acoustic" music feel, he says. In addition to musical guests, the CD will feature an exciting Safe As Houses four-part harmony.

"Tom and I usually sing the higher parts and the tenors. Benson and Eliott sing the bases." says Andrew Laughton. He says the band has been testing their new four-part repertoire for live audiences to positive response.

Safe As Houses has distinctive ideas about their work. Tom Laughton says song is self-expression, but it is wise to keep your audience in mind and avoid self-indulgence.

Andrew Laughton, who plans a music career in classical guitar, says good songwriting comes from listening to all music genres.

Eliott Anton listens to his favourites from an eclectic range of artists to get a feel for the music he wants to write.

And Bensen Carter focuses on honesty and integrity, forgetting about other people's expectations for his songwriting.

That's the creative cement that will keep four Safe As Houses in their music sojourn for many years to come. - Waterloo Region Record, Guelph Mercury

This is a really beautiful song. Do you like harmonies? Strings? Harmonica? Acoustic guitar? Simon and Garfunkel? Jeremy Fisher? Bright Eyes? Then you'll love Safe as Houses. - Grant Lawrence, CBC Radio

Last year my good pal Amanda Kind - Multi-talented Actor / Singer/ Director / Producer …. And Insightful Mentor of Things Music sent me a note. Amanda was totally blown away after listening to the first three songs of young band Safe as Houses debut album Sink My Boat at their CD release party. I understand exactly what Amanda means. While listening to the CD, I became aware of what my good pal venerable arts writer Robert Reid calls The Shiver Factor. I had that same feeling once before years ago after I heard Simon and Garfunkel songs The Dangling Conversation, and For Emily Wherever I May Find Her.
I stopped doing everything and just listened. And now the title song Sink My Boat is on my I Pod.
These four musicians range in age from 14 to 18. They are informed by a cornucopia the music greats from vintage Simon and Garfunkel, and Neil Young to The White Stripes, Mumford and Sons and The Decemberists. I think Safe As Houses is one of the finest new bands to emerge from this region. And I was thrilled they chose Sound FM for their first radio interview on Coral FM. And they have graced the Sound FM studios twice!
Safe as Houses are:
Andrew Laughton - lead guitar and vocals
Thomas Laughton - drums
Elliot Anton – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Bensen Carter – Bass.
In Part 1 the band chats with me about their diverse backgrounds and how became this amazing quartet of musicians.
Part 2 – Safe as Houses returns to play some live songs from Sink My Boat.
For more info check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Safe.As.Houses.Band?ref=ts&fref=ts
*** Watch for Safe as Houses in local venues and beyond in the years to come. I already have a signed CD! - Coral FM. **** - onehundred.three sound fm