Puressence

Puressence is a rock and indie group from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, England. The band forms in 1992 and remains active, with a lineup that includes James Mudriczki, Neil McDonald, Kevin Matthews, Tony Szuminski and Lowell Killen.

Origins and early formation

James Mudriczki, Neil McDonald, Anthony Szuminski and Kevin Matthews meet while travelling by bus to see the Stone Roses at Spike Island. Inspired by what they see, Matthews buys a bass guitar, and the others follow by getting the instruments they need to form a band, despite having little musical experience or training at the time. After a period of practice, they settle on the name Puressence, which is associated with the paper letters spelling the word “puressence” that appear around Manchester city centre, including on derelict buildings and a railway bridge opposite the Haçienda.

Releases and record labels

The band begins recording with Manchester independent label 2 Damn Loud, which releases two singles. A further single appears through Rough Trade Singles Club. Puressence then signs to Island Records, which marks a major step in the group’s career. In 2006 the band releases the single “Palisades” on Manchester label Reaction, followed by the album Don’t Forget To Remember.

Performances and activity

Puressence plays a series of gigs at Manchester’s In The City festival and performs at The Witchwood in Ashton-under-Lyne in 2004. The band also gives its first shows in the United States in September 2008, starting at Mercury Lounge in New York City and followed the next night by a performance at the Apple Store in SoHo. At the New York show, the opening song is “I Suppose”, and the group hands out free CD singles of “Don’t Know Any Better” to fans in the US.

Line-up changes

In August 2003, after more than ten years with the group, guitarist and founder member Neil McDonald leaves Puressence. He is replaced by Lowell Killen, originally from the Isle of Man, who has played in other bands and leaves the Manchester group Dry Riser to join Puressence.

Style

Puressence is associated with rock and indie, and is also described as an indie rock and alternative act.