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MUSIC: Puressence, Retro Bar, Saturday 9 Aug

David Sue
6/ 8/2008

MENTION the name Puressence and terms such as ‘underdogs’ or ‘survivors’ often aren’t far behind.

In a 16-year career, the Failsworth rock band – despite the adoration of music critics and the loyal Manchester public – have never quite translated critical acclaim into wider commercial success.

But, as the saying goes, you make your own luck, and Puressence clearly aren’t the self-pitying type.

They have earned their tough reputation for their fierce self-belief and refusal to bow to the music industry’s fickle demands.

The band’s four albums to date have epitomised their tough resolve – they write songs which are big on heart, big on soul, and thanks to singer James Mudriczki, their songs contain some of the most hair-raisingly big vocals in British rock music.

Sixteen years since they formed, Puressence continue to make their own luck.

Last year, they signed a new record deal with independent label Reaction, and released arguably their strongest album to date, the aptly named Don’t Forget to Remember.

Best of all, the band were recently featured on the US iTunes homepage, which has prompted a massive rise in their popularity Stateside.

Call them what you like – these Manchester music wonders won’t be going away for a long time yet.