You Can't Choose Your Friends

‘Really elementary’ is the debut album from UK indie-poppers ‘2 out of 3 rule’. 20 short, simple guitar based songs with choir-like female vocals.

They have received much media attention since their debut release ‘really elementary EP’ in 2007, most notably appearing on the Steve Lamacq show in July 2008, after being chosen for ‘Demo of the week’ in two publications, and a number of other positive reviews.

The opening track of the album ‘Artman’ made number 1 in the UK Band Network Charts, featured in the film ‘The Value of Hard Work’ by ‘Stickler Films’, and was described as one of ‘the best indie pop songs of all time’ in a review by ‘Series Two Records’ in September 2008.

You can view their new video for 'Say you like' on their MySpace page.

Eardrums music review of 'Really elementary' album- February 2009:

2 out of 3 Rule is a band I found on myspace and decided to listen more to. I am SO happy I did! I bought their album “Really Elementary” on CdBaby, and have been listening to the 20 (!) songs over and over again since it came here, and the songs are all so good.

The London 4-piece play beautiful indie pop with jangly guitars, great melody-lines and wonderful vocals from singer Claire Diamond. It’s easy to compare them to bands like Camera Obscura or Heavenly, and these 3 definitely have a lot in common. 2 out of 3 Rule also have a darker, more melancholic side, which sometimes makes me think of Kristin Hersh, but I am aware that this might be a reference only I can hear… ;-)

The album is filled up with great pop, so get over to cdbaby and buy it now!

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 Issue238- Jan 2008- 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."