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The Possibles (from left to right): Jamie McClelland, Sam Cooper, Callum Hughes, Davie Moore and Mark McCullogh |
Progress
– a word which would aptly describe the rise of local band, The Possibles. A
dogged determinism has made it possible for this Liverpool quintet to finally
get out there and get their names heard. And now with the release of an EP on
the horizon, the band’s future is beginning to look a lot brighter. However,
the band has certainly had to work hard to finally reap the fruits of their
labour and to get their foot on the ladder of Liverpool’s expansive and richly
talented music circuit...
Almost
three years ago, the band’s lead singer, Davie Moore, set up another group
called the Electro Peaches, along with current Possibles bassist, Mark
McCullough, and current drummer, Callum Hughes. After months of practise and a
couple of gigs, the band was nowhere near to heading towards the right
direction. This realisation was swiftly followed by the leaving of both of the
band’s guitarists, Mark Anderson and Aidan Smith.
This
experience served as a cruel reality check that breaking into the music scene
and getting onto the circuit is a lot harder than it seems. However, it also
served as a learning curve – a blow which prompted the remaining band members
to do something which would change things for the better.
Moore,
McCullough and Hughes were forced to go to the drawing board and to rethink
their plans to make a band that was worthy of stepping onto the music scene.
The trio became more mature and serious in their approach towards music,
ditching covers such as their version of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” – songs
which the Electro Peaches would play more for fun, rather than with the
intention of actually going somewhere.
Instead,
the band would now focus their attention on making more of their own music.
They started their new era by hiring influential guitarist, Sam Cooper, and
renaming the band “The Possibles” – something which would serve as a reminder
to the band that if they persevered and tried hard enough, then it would indeed
be possible to eventually get onto the music scene.
The
hiring of Cooper obviously put the band in good stead on their mission towards
improving. He is equipped with an electric guitar style which compliments both
the lyrics and vocals of lead singer, Davie Moore. And with McCullough’s bass
and Hughes’ drums contributing towards this new sound, the band was soon making
music reminiscent of their Manchester heroes, Joy Division.
After
recording several demos, the band soon realised that whilst they had greatly
improved, there was still something missing – something which could contribute
towards the instrumental mix of the band, and which could aid with the
assisting of creating a more complimentary sound. Step in keyboard player,
Jamie McClelland.
This
introduction of a new member was definitely intended to act as a key catalyst
in creating a sound and style similar to that of the band’s inspirations – a
style now becoming more similar to Joy Division than ever before. Of course,
the band are their own band, but this is a parallel which many people can’t
help but draw when they hear the music of The Possibles.
Whilst
they are not yet signed, they have performed a string of gigs, with more soon
beckoning. What’s more is the fact that the band has recorded an EP and has
also released a music video of their very own “Saviour”, gaining over 700 hits
on Youtube within the space of two weeks.
“Saviour”
is just one of a few songs that will be available on the EP, but it is an
undisputed gem which captures the sound of the band just beautifully. A solo
drum introduction, followed by a catchy bass-line is then added to in sublime
force by Cooper’s lead guitar and McClelland’s keyboards, with Moore’s vocals
eventually coming in. The song reaches its full potential every time it kicks
into the powerful and pacey chorus, which is a stark contrast to the reserved
form the song takes in its verses leading up to the chorus. The sound and style
which this particular song creates brings to attention a reminder of another
once-famous and successful Liverpool band, Space, who are perhaps most famous
for their single, “The Female of the Species”.
Speaking
about the music video, keyboardist, Jamie McClelland, said, “Every time someone
says that they have seen our music video, it means the world to me. That
someone has taken three minutes or so out of their lives just to give us a listen”.
Amongst
other songs by the band are the tracks, “Black Cloud”, “Cold War” and “Last To
Survive” – all three of which encapsulate different aspects of the band’s style,
and will hopefully appear on the new EP.
Not
wanting to give too much away, McClelland continued, “The EP is getting
launched in April and it will be available to purchase at the gig we are doing
of that same month”.
The
band are headlining at the Bumper nightclub on Hardman Street in Liverpool’s
city centre on Saturday 28th April. They have already played a few
gigs at the Shipping Forecast, which is not too far situated from Bumper, whilst
they are also currently being touted to act as main support for signed acts that
are coming over to play at Liverpool’s O2 Academy.
The
band has also gained valuable air-time on radio stations. Commenting upon this,
McClelland said, “We’ve already been played on air in Canada, whilst we are due
to be played on radio stations in Wales and LA in about two weeks time.
“For
the time being, we are not signed and we are therefore are own managers –
although, we are hoping that when we get down to work properly, management will
come along.
“We’ve
got far better songs in the making. We’ve been working on two new ones – one of
which is an opener which will blow minds”.
Considering
the band are not under any management and are not signed, they are on the right
track towards spreading their fan-base. The combination of air-time on various
radio stations (both local and across the border) along with a released music
video and a EP which is guaranteed to be released in April has made sure that
the band will certainly be heard. But will they be gigging outside of
Liverpool?
“For
the time being, no unfortunately” McClelland commented. “It’s hard for us to
get outside the city at the moment due to our other work commitments and the
whole money issue”.
However,
if the band continues to practice hard, make music and get a run of live gigs
across Liverpool, then it may only be a matter of time before they are picked
up by a manager or a talent scout. This would mean that they will be given
valuable direction, as well as funding to get them out of the city and across
the UK to be heard by many others and to hopefully spread their fan-base.
Whilst
The Possibles are a band which is still a work in progress, they are doing
everything in their power to get themselves heard. Their dogged determination
has seen them come this far. Only time will tell to see if they have more
determination left in their locker to help climb a few more feet up the music
ladder.
I,
for one, would not bet against it.
*To
find out more about The Possibles, like their band page on Facebook, or visit
their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/thepossiblesuk