Most bands don’t begin with just an accordion. But for James Craft, the old-world instrument was a launching pad for his band, La Strada.
Since forming four years ago, he has slowly added instruments to the mix, starting with drums, then violin, viola, cello, bass and, lastly, guitar.
“I finally felt like we had enough instruments by the time we added the guitarist,” said Craft.
The formula has worked. La Strada has gained fans across the country thanks to its foot-stomping live shows, which also display the band’s quieter, more introspective moments as well.
When not in Brooklyn, Craft and Co. have spent most of their time on the road, touring incessantly, making for limited time in the studio. This month, the band celebrate the release of its first full-length LP, “New Home,” with a show on April 30 at the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg.
“New Home” provides an evolution of the band in 13 tracks, as songs range from the group’s very first — the dark, folky “Baptism” — to more recent, sunnier tunes like “Julia.”
“We’ve become more pop indie as opposed to folk indie,” said Craft on the band’s sound. “There’s more of a pop element.”
Testament to that, as of late, the band has added a new element to the mix — a synthesizer, if you can believe it.
“There was a certain simplicity and rhythmic accessibility I wanted our new songs to have,” said Craft.
The accordion can’t do it all.
La Strada at the Knitting Factory [361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg, (347) 529-6696] April 30 at 9 pm. Tickets $10. For info, visit www.myspace.com/lastradanyc.
