Eric Unseen – ‘Meat & Razorblades’ EP review and interview
Written by Rob Watkins
Sunday, 06 November 2011 05:00
“I’m the king and all my merry men will follow me”……..an apt introductive line from the stonkin’ new ‘Meat & Razorblades’ EP courtesy of new Welsh indie-punk kids on the block Eric Unseen.
The song in question is the buzzing opening tune ‘I’m The King’, a mixture of biting lyrics and uptempo melodic indie track that’s glancing slightly towards an oncoming punk element, that leads rather beautifully into ‘Meat & Razorblades’, an underground hit if ever I heard one, an absolute joy for songwriting aficionados of whatever genre of music you favour, with a glorious horn section that sways amidst a well structured choral arrangement and a hint of a Bluetones influence overall, a musical intelligence that far exceeds the guys’ years, with a catchy infectious sing-a-long “Shout Shout Shout” that will obviously bring fabulous interaction at the live shows.
The strength of all round performance is utterly unbelievable for an unsigned act with Daniel Hegarty’s brillant, sometimes smooth, sometimes caustic vocal approach a delight to the ears, in particular on ‘Goodnight Soho’. The fourth and final tune on offer continues the classic songwriting mould; ‘Sex In The City’ has memorable moments and more of the hooks that are all over this EP and should bring untold fortunes to the band if there’s any musical justice in the world. “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” – good luck with trying to get these melodies outta your head………
Uber Rock caught up with the band’s frontman Dan at their recent EP launch gig and managed to quiz them, UR style.
Sell Eric Unseen to the people out there in Uberville – you have 60 seconds….starting now.
Original. Energetic. Real. Honest. Serious. Cheeky. Eclectic. Come see us and make up your own mind.
Marilyn Manson or Sid Vicious?
Sid Vicious.
Individually describe your position and responsibility within the group.
Dan (Me!) – Fronting the band, writing the tunes.
Scott – Wearing pork pie hats and holding the Eric Unseen fort. Heartbeat of the band. Best drummer in the world (his own words).
Rhys – The voice, wicked riffs, plugging Facebook (give us a poke!) haha.
Slim – Looking tall, networker, friendly face, great performer, happy clapper.
The Beatles or The Clash?
The Beatles although The Clash are amazing!!!!
Having played some high profile shows alongside the likes of The Alarm, The Automatic, Paramore, Kids In Glass Houses and recently winning the CLIC national battle of the bands competition to play with Ocean Colour Scene and Cast on the main stage at the inaugural Merthyr Rock Festival, the experience is there in black and white – you possess the tunes, the image isn’t too shabby….So what’s holding you back from that all important step up onto the bigger musical world wide stage?
Luck.
Eric or Ernie?
Eric, of course.
And now be brutally honest, what percentage of the whole Eric Unseen package is image and what percentage is the music?
70% music, 30% image, although if your music ain’t good enough it don’t matter what you look like.
The Blackout or The Guns?
The Blackout.
Is the Eric Unseen songwriting process collective or individual?
Bit of both.
Cool or Sexy?
Being cool is sexy!! (might write a song about this).
Influences, inspirations, likes and dislikes.
Influences – Eric Morecambe, My dad (who thinks he’s Eric Morecambe, just not as funny)
Inspirations – Real life observations.
Likes – Matching socks.
Dislikes – Odd socks (I can’t wear them).
Meat or Razorblades?
Razorblades, although I do like a good steak.
What albums are you listening to at the moment?
I’m not, I’m watching a film.
My Chemical Romance or Motley Crue?
Motley Crue.
Eric Unseen are headlining a stadium tour; which five other bands, alive or dead, are you gonna add to the bill?
Oooh good question…..
The Beatles (for the tunes)
The Doors (for the aftershow party)
The Who (for the performance)
The Clash (for the wide stances and attitude)
Elvis Presley (for the voice and a good buffet)
Hahaha..A gig beyond the grave!! but perfect!
And what will be on the rider for that tour?
A box of Yorkshire tea, Jack Daniels and a Smirnoff Ice for Slim.
And finally what does the future hold for Eric Unseen? What are your musical hopes and expectations?
I’d like to think the future holds sell out world wide arena tours, number one albums, to be taken seriously in the quirky real way it’s intended, a Jools Holland appearance playing in the new year, supported by Paul McCartney, for other bands to be influenced by us and to carve a long term career in music.
[Band photos by Ashlea Matthews]