Backstory:
Cruel Squirrel is the brainchild of four small-town friends: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julian “Jules” Cooper, lead guitarist and vocalist Amelia “Amy” Ross, bassist Isaac “Ike” Peters, and drummer Simon “Sim” Taylor. The band formed in the quiet town of Eastwood, Ohio, where the vibrant arts scene and dense forests inspired their unique sound. Their bond formed over shared music tastes, local lore, and the enigmatic, slightly aggressive squirrels in their neighborhood.
In 2010, they started playing gigs at local bars and community events. Coming up with a band name proved challenging until they remembered the squirrels that would chase them during their childhood escapades. Thus, Cruel Squirrel was born. Their popularity grew as fans appreciated their unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and earthy tones. They released their first self-titled EP in 2013 and have been on a steady rise ever since.
Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock
Title:
“Echoes of Eastwood”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the riverside in old Eastwood, [C]
[Em] Childhood memories, [D] where we stood,
[G] In the days when we were wild and free, [C]
[Em] Where we dreamt of what we might [D] be.
(Chorus)
[Am] Echoes of Eastwood, [G] under the old maple tree,
[C] Where the cruel squirrel chased us, [D] in our memory.
[Am] Echoes of Eastwood, [G] in our hearts they remain,
[C] With the songs of our youth, [D] like an old sweet refrain.
(Verse 2)
[G] Through the streets of this old town, [C]
[Em] We found love, lost and found, [D]
[G] Where the moonlight meets the morning dew, [C]
[Em] Eastwood’s echo calls us [D] through.
(Chorus repeats)
(Bridge)
[Em] By the riverside, under the old maple tree,
[C] Where our dreams were born, and we felt so free,
[G] Echoes of Eastwood, [D] ringing clear and true,
[Am] These are the roots, [D] from where we grew.
(Chorus repeats)
Fans’ Favorite:
The band’s most devoted fan is, without a doubt, Katie “Kat” Thompson. A native of Eastwood, Katie has followed Cruel Squirrel from their very first gig at their local bar. She’s attended every show and owns every piece of merchandise they’ve put out.
Kat says, “Cruel Squirrel’s music really resonates with me. The lyrics take me back to my own childhood in Eastwood, and their melodies are simply beautiful. They capture the essence of our town and our shared experiences in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, their energy on stage is infectious; it’s clear they love what they do. I’ve been a fan from day one, and I’ll support them till the end. Can’t wait for their next album!”