Shortstraw

Shortstraw is a Johannesburg group that starts out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band before expanding into a four-piece. The original lineup consists of Oliver Nathan and Alastair Thomas, and the band first plays a few shows in and around Melville, Johannesburg.

Line-up and development

The band later adds Jay Hartford on guitar and keyboards, and Phil Brierley on bass. This changes the group from its early, more folk-oriented format into a slightly less folk-heavy outfit. The verified membership also includes Zam Boney.

Style

Shortstraw is associated with indie rock, surf rock, indie and folk pop, and their early description points to a looser thrash folk approach. The group presents itself as a South African act with a deliberately irreverent tone.