The Possibles

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 28^th 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