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You may not associate Cheshire with a thriving music scene but, with close links to Liverpool and Manchester how can it not be? These two hotbeds of music gave birth to the biggest stars of the North West and some went beyond that to become global icons, writes Andrew Goodwin.
Here, I would like to introduce you to four bands that have been appearing in Cheshire venues over the last few years.
PACIFIC
Pacific
Pacific play a style that can be likened to the band Keane but with an edgier sound.
It is piano-led and it is a form of Alternative Indie Rock. The group‘s members include two brothers, Anthony and Daniel Orzel. The former is lead vocalist and plays the aforementioned piano while the latter plays bass and provides backing vocals.
The two remaining members are Dave Bithell, who plays lead guitars and sings backing vocals and drummer and percussionist Drew Burns.
The band reached the semi-final of “Live and Unsigned”, the biggest original music competition for bands around the UK in 2011. They have released a handful of singles and have had rave reviews from the likes of New Musical Express and BBC 6’s Mark Radcliffe. They also played the Golden Square at the Warrington Music Festival.
To hear the sound of Pacific look out for “Dream Of Mine” and the latest single “Time To Forget” on YouTube and the official website. http://pacificofficial.com
THE SPASE
The Spase
The Spase come from the Halton area of Cheshire and are an Alternative Indie band.
Their sound is possibly influenced by the Madchester era of the 90s, as the sounds of The Stone Roses and Inspiral Carpets can be heard. Ironically, the Carpets’ Tom Hingley described their music as “melodic and poetic”, the acoustic style with harmonious vocals are a joy to listen to.
Wax and P (both on vocals and guitars) are ‘the people’, while there are various members who they call ‘the ghosts’, random musicians who provide accompaniment when required.
They have played with The Zutons and also had a momentous gig at Spike Island in Widnes, where The Stone Roses played their historical appearance. They have just released their debut album, ‘On A Cloud’, eleven tracks of pure acoustic delight.
On June 13th they will support Runcorn band The Fireflys at The Brindley in Runcorn.
Check the band out if you can on YouTube and Soundcloud and the official website, especially the tracks “Starchild” and “Butterfly”. http://thespase.pw77.co.
CHIMPS ON DEATH ROW
Chimps on Death Row
Crewe band, Chimps on Death Row, are as you would expect from the name, not a pop boy band! They are a Metal Rock outfit and consist of Bidder Jones (lead vocals/rhythm and lead guitar), Howie Tonge (bass guitar), Nik Thomas (lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Pete Mehlmann (drums and percussion).
The band’s sound can only be described as mixed rock. Sometimes there is an influence of heavy metal Iron Maiden, then you could hear grunge rock Pearl Jam which then leads to Guns N’ Roses or Aerosmith!
They are an original rock band but they do play covers from time to time such as AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and Judas Priest’s “Living After Midnight”.
My favourite tracks are “Fly Away” and “Find Me”, you can find these and more on YouTube, Soundcloud and Reverbnation and the Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/chimpsondeathrow
CHASING INFINITY
Chasing Infinity
Although coming from Liverpool, Chasing Infinity are regulars on the Cheshire music scene.
Playing a great blend of pop rock, they formed in 2009 and released their debut album, “Chasing Infinity” in 2012. An acoustic E.P. entitled “Chinfin Unplugged” was released in 2013 and the latest single is “Dance With The One That Brought You”.
Their line-up consists of lead vocalist Adele Halsall, Paul McCormick on guitar, Rob Saunders on bass and harmonica and drummer Mark Rice.
If you love Blondie, or No Doubt, then you will love this quartet. Bright, bubbly and infectious, they bring an enthusiasm and bounce to any theatre.
Chasing Infinity will be joining The Spase in supporting The Fireflys at their “Storytellers” acoustic show on June 13th at Runcorn’s The Brindley.
Have a listen to the tracks “If It ‘Ain’t Broke, Break It” and “Aspirations And Realisations” and more at Soundcloud and the official website. http://www.chasinginfinity.co.uk
Andrew Goodwin
Andrew Goodwin is a music journalist/blogger. He created his own blog – New Music Ear – specialising in reviewing new or unknown artists, themed articles and the 80s era. He is rapidly gaining an excellent reputation and is regularly contacted by artists and music management to review their music.
Blog: newmusicear.blogspot.co.uk Twitter: AndrewGoodwin68
