'Don't be a coconut' review- 15th September 2009

2 Out of 3 Rule makes some of the best lo-fi indie pop songs I’ve heard for quite awhile. But I’m so frustrated by how little I can find out about this band. They’ve yet to set up a proper band website plus they’ve yet to put up a proper band photo. But on the upside, they do have a proper full-length release that was recently unleashed earlier this year called Really Elementary. Out of the 20 tracks contained in the record, I’ve only had the pleasure of listening to six of those said tracks. And so far from what little I can make of it; it’s enough to convince me to go out and get this record so I can enjoy it in its entirety.

The four piece serves beautiful jangly pop, that’s nicely decked with infectious hooks and a hushed vocal delivery. I love the fact that they seem like a modest-looking group and yet are capable of sculpting such engaging and delightful pop tunes in similar vein to indie pop heavy-weights Camera Obscura. These are certainly songs that I’ll be treasuring the most this year. Now all I’m left to figure out is; how do I get my hands on this sweet piece of record?

Series Two Records review- 25th September 2008:

"2 out of 3 rule are an indie pop band that hail from the United Kingdom. Their refreshing sounds can put them in close comparison to top sounding indie pop bands such as Scotland’s own Camera Obscura. Their song “Artman” could be put on a list of the best indie pop songs of all time. A few months ago Steve Lamacq took notice and played “Artman” on BBC Radio 6. With their debut EP there is no doubt there is a lot of success that lies ahead for this band especially with a lot of indie pop fans already taking a good likening towards their music already. They hopefully won’t fall to the horrible fate of a lot of UK bands these days with the hype, etc. This band has a lot of substance already and would fit well with the listening tastes of most indie pop fans and would fit well with the lineup’s of most indie pop labels. This EP would definitely make my top 10 list for the year and will likely appear in many other top 10 lists for the year (or at least it deserves to)."

What’s happening in the future for this band? If I read correctly in a letter from band member Paul it says they have plans to start recording their 2nd album in middle October. That puts a big smile upon my face. This was a very limited self released EP. You can check in with the band on myspace to see if there are any copies left that are available. Also while you are there you can preview 5 of their songs."

Indie Pages- 7th December 2008- Demo of the week:

Great soft, jangly pop that fits perfectly in the vein of Camera Obscura! They're working on a full-length album now, and I can't wait to hear it!

Groundwaves.fm review- 20th September 2008:

"From across the pond we welcome London's 2 out of 3 rule. The mellow bass, brush-played drums and laid-back writing style perfectly compliment singer Claire Diamond's breathy vocals. The combination is reminiscent of Frente! or of Suddenly, Tammy! (if Beth Sorrentino had played guitar instead of piano)--and is similarly worth exclamation. "

Indie.mp3 review- 25th May 2008:

"This demo arrived in the post a day or so ago and I've given the CD a couple of spins thus far and I'm already starting to think that 2 out of 3 rule are onto something with their female fronted guitar pop.
Singer Claire Diamond comes across all Tracey-Anne Campbell on 'You Can't Choose Your Friends''. Indeed Camera Obscura are a fairly strong reference point for 2 out of 3 rule. All the songs are decent little pop nuggets with jangly guitars and nicely addictive hooks. Highlights being the aforementioned 'You Can't Choose Your Friends' and 'Artman'.
The only downside to the whole 'package' is the band's name. I just can't warm to the moniker '2 out of 3 rule'. That aside, the band show more than enough promise on these songs to warrant further attention. The band are currently recording their début LP (not sure whether they have a label ready to release it, or not) in Leeds. This will also be called 'Really Elementary'. A new London band that is worth looking out for, that makes a pleasant change."

Organ magazine Issue#238- Jan '08- Demo of the week:

"They’re a four piece from London and they say they make stripped down indie pop. Three boys – Robin, Paul and Matthew – and a girl called Claire singing in a rather delicate quiet way. Five songs, yes, five stripped down quiet simple clever pleasing songs, five delightful songs – acoustic, wordy, intriguing, a restrained alternative edge – sometimes it really is that simple."