  |
|
|
|
The People Involved are an unsigned indie band from Leek, in the UK. Comparable to a heavier-tinged Coldplay, with a hint of early Mansun, and the melody of Foo Fighters.
Delicately IntensiveFormed in May 2005, The People Involved have already built up an impressively loyal following. This is in no small way a result of their incredibly intimate and involving (no pun intended) live shows. Whether this is as support act to the likes of The Fall or Vib Gyor, or as the headline act themselves, The People Involved live experience is a memorable one. Front man Seth has that air about him that sometimes draws comparisons to Coldplay's Chris Martin, inasmuch he appears sometimes vulnerable, yet always enjoys his rapport with his audience. And his voice belies that occasional shyness he seems to exude - deep, powerful, soaring, melodic, all these descriptions and more can be laid at his feet. If he does appear somewhat shy at times, his voice more than makes up for it as it reaches all corners of the venue. And if Seth is impressive, the rest of the band are no less so either. Rich on lead guitar provides both the grunt and melody, easily switching between intense, provocative power chords, to gentle, sweeping single notes, pulling you in to what defines The People Involved's sound. Mikey on bass complements this to perfection, laying down not only a thunderous backdrop, but also allowing the other band members to shine through on the gentler tracks. Melody Within MotionYet it's not only the heavier sounds that this group of talented musicians excel at, and this is shown by keyboardist Marc, who brings to the band a fullness and richness that many other similar bands would love to achieve. Whether it's a quiet yet constant background that's required, or a more upfront accompaniment, Marc's keyboards fill out the sound effectively. Completing the line-up is Benji on the drums, and what a way to complete the band. Indeed, the rest of the band themselves have said that it was only when Benji came onboard that The People Involved really started moving forward as a unit. And, both live and in the studio, you can see why. Mixing the likes of John Bonham, Rick Elliot and Roger Taylor, this is powerhouse drumming at its best, yet also delicate where needed. With their reputation growing from well-received local gigs, the band have found themselves touring larger venues with the afore-mentioned Vib Gyor, The Fall and My Architects, and their live shows, combined with an impressive collection of well-rounded songs, has seen their fan base grow, as well as receive interest from radio stations and the specialist music press alike. One of the reasons for this interest is the sheer strength in depth on their current EP, Feel Nothing. Depth In FeelingThe title track Feel Nothing is an ideal introduction to the sound of The People Involved. Opening with a solid drum track, accompanied by swirling keyboards, it's soon joined by crunching guitar and bass, before Seth joins the mix. The verse shows the slower, more in-depth side of the band, coming across almost Radiohead in sound. This builds again to the more intense chorus, exploding into a wildly controlled chaos of an instrumental, before leading to the end of the track. An excellent opener, and a live powerhouse. Second track,Stuck, shows a more tender, melodious side to The People Involved. Despite the intro fooling you into thinking it's going to be as intense as the opening song, it settles into an almost summer-like epic, with gentle vocals laid over a hypnotic melody that you can't help but be sucked in by. Indeed, this track could easily be stood alongside such classic indie anthems as Run, Yellow and Creep to name but a few, and not be out of place. A definite crowd favourite. Can't Be Alone is yet another example of the wide range of the writing skills that sits within The People Involved camp. A solid mixture of both heavier musicianship and gentler guitars and keyboards, it's once again a prime example of the definitive sound of this mightily impressive band - tight musicianship, soaring songs, and a genuine love for what the band are trying to achieve. Unsigned But For How Long?Currently unsigned, The People Involved are busy recording the new tracks that they've been promoting at their live shows. Combining the older tracks with the new, and with a constant touring schedule taking them to a larger audience, it surely can't be too long until they are playing bigger venues and crowds. And with the live arena being where this band's music really excels, that would be just rewards for this hard-working five piece. Full of musical depth; Substance over style; Passionate; Involving; Fresh and Engaging... The People Involved
The copyright of the article The People Involved in Indie Music is owned by Danny Brown. Permission to republish The People Involved in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
