Local Bands

Presumably there aren't many bands around named after a play by ancient Greek writer Euripides, but seeing as the hero of that text is Dionysus - one of life's ultimate hedonists - maybe there should be more!? 

Whether Leeds band named themselves after the original Greek text or Joe Orton's 60s update - set in a Butlins holiday camp! - is a moot point. Either way they're about creating an energy and vitality in their music to please the most ardent hedonist.

They've been together for about a year comprising of Rob - drums/occasional keys; Dave - bass; Jim - guitar; Harriet -vocals. The latter pair had been ruminating on getting a band together for a while that was more than just a bedroom band or a band that looked good on paper but not in reality.

Indeed, once the line-up was crystallised, the band would be everyone's first proper attempt at being in a band. Starting off as so many bands do, they played a set of cover versions - songs by bands who'd split up even before any of the band had been born. The Bacchae are not enamoured of modern sounds.

"We started by covering the classic 60s punk and psychedelic tracks by the likes of The Seeds, Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband etc., and then moved into early 70s territory - influenced by The Stooges, T Rex and Roxy Music."

"There's something about that era that appeals - the lack of pretentiousness, the desire to be doing something different away from commercial concerns. WE love that pre-digital sound and try and pick up vintage equipment to give us that kind of sound."

"We've found it easy to get gigs in the current climate. There are so many bands on the Leeds scene with plenty of venues willing to dole out gigs but we don't wanna burn ourselves out and gig for the sake of it. We're patient - we'll wait for the right gigs!"

"We'd all love to turn this from a hobby into a career but we're astute enough to realise that there are many pitfalls and you've gotta keep your eyes wide open in this business. Plus we wanna keep it fun - as soon as it becomes a drag and a strain on relationships, then that's when we'd call it a day."

The band have played outside the city with gigs in Liverpool and London, and feel that everywhere has its own feel: "The scene in Leeds seems to be different to the one in Liverpool which is different to Manchetser's scene and that differs from London - so you can't take anything for granted. You've gotta go out at these gigs and show them you're worth more than their local favourites as so many young music fans are getting into their local scenes rather than reading about heroes from far away."

"We're not just about being an energetic live act, though, songwriting is important and we'd got quite a few songs in the bank which we then put on MySpace - which has become THE tool for 21st Century bands to advance their careers. It's almost impossible to get a band off the ground these days without the connections you can make online. Possible managers and promoters can see what you're all about at the click of a mouse."

Initially the band created their own night "Bad Taste" as a way of launching themselves on the general public. The nights created a buzz but rather than do all the work, they'd like a manager to take over eventually so they can concentrate purely on the music. The next logical step is to put out a record and the band are eager for it to be on vinyl, if possible.

"We're all record collectors and vinyl is the chosen medium - it just sounds better. Don't get us wrong, technology can help in certain areas but when it comes to the sound, digital just doesn't cut it. To put out a record that you can hold in your hand, something tangible, is our next big goal and hopefully we can progress from there to...well, who knows?"