Meet lockdown-formed Irish grunge rockers Engender

The Covid-19 lockdowns were a difficult time, no doubt, but some magical music has been created as a result of lengthy isolation periods. Eliz and Mick Behan are one example of such talent forming, having come together to forge Engender during the lockdowns.

Encompassing genres of punk, grunge, rock and alternative, the (as yet unsigned) duo are ready to find a home for their songs outside of YouTube, where they're steadily building up views and a fanbase.

Cork native Eliz has been living with her partner Mick, who hails from Newbridge in Kildare, for a number of years. The pairing cite influences from Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones and Black Flag to Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, Slipknot, Black Sabbath, The Clash and The Dead Kennedy's, to name a few.

Engender are currently working hard in the studio, auditioning bass players and drummers for their future tour once the right people are booked to complete the quartet.

"We're currently working towards our debut EP, and wish to have it released for our fans before the end of the year," Eliz tells Hot Press. "We're open to all record labels kicking down our door and snapping up an original band, who write all of our own material with vocals, acoustic guitar, and mobile phones."

Viewers in the US were the first to notice Engender, Eliz adds, noting YouTube tracks like 'APARTMENT WINDOW', 'MY OWN DREAM', 'DOWN AND DIRTY', 'HELP WANTED' and 'COOKIE JAR', among others. Eliz' raw vocals above Mick Behan's accomplished guitar playing echoes the likes of fellow rockers Daughter.

"The rest of the world is slowly but surely catching on, but America will always have a special place in our hearts as the Seattle Fans were the first to discover Engender's Music!"

Listen to their music via YouTube.com/@engendermusicband.