While constantly a great rock n roll dream, it is rare these days for a relatively unknown act to catapult straight into the roster books of a massive major label. But that is exactly what Downpatrick trio Relish have succeeded in achieving.
Singer/guitarist Ken Papenfus, his drummer/vocalist brother Carl Papenfus and bassist Darren Campbell can now count the likes of Blur and Supergrass as label mates. So (as bands across land turn forty shades of green with envy), how did the boys pull off such a coup?
We sent Thomas [Black EMI A+R] a tape and he really liked it, explains Ken. He invited us down for an informal interview and made the offer there and then. We knew the other elements: we wanted to at least have an opportunity of being successful, and we really liked the vibe here in the office. For example, we got a chance to talk to the MD straight out which is a rare thing. Everybody was really into our approach. Also, the fact that it was an Irish label is important, as it means we don t have to do anything drastic like relocating to London.
Yes indeed, the Relish route to rock fairytale land sounds (un)typically easy. But a brief listen to their debut EP Heart Shaped Box (no relation to the Nirvana single of the same name) proves their calibre. At a time when most commercial signings are streamlined pop pretenders, it is refreshing to hear a band that have natural talent to burn and sound unashamedly commercial in the best possible sense. Their current four-tracker suggests that they are the missing link between Lenny Kravitz and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with a dash of their own beautiful brand of northern soul. A band that hails from the North at the moment would commonly be misperceived as another bunch of pop punk funsters a la fellow Downpatrick boys and girl Ash.
The big dance undercurrent in the North has to be acknowledged, and there is a kind of R n B thing happening as well, Ken says. When you look further back into the Northern scene you have Van Morrison with a huge blues influence. A massive blues undercurrent isn t accredited much but definitely exists. We can even hear it on a lot of dance music produced in the North. It s a very natural, organic sound.
Indeed, the mysterious magic of Relish is not confined to their songwriting and performances. Carl, Ken and Darren are convinced that there is a mysterious presence following them from studio to studio and even into the live arena.
We have either one or a selection of ghosts that follow us around the place, particularly in the studio when faders start moving on their own and lights start flickering, adds Ken. It started in this studio in Wales called Monolith that is part of Rockfield. It might have had something to do with Black Sabbath being in there before us! Carl started playing on a grand piano in the porch and I joined in with an acoustic. We kept think Darren was in at the desk so kept shouting in at him. But he wasn t he was in watching TV and had fallen asleep. And there is this presence which has followed us since Rockfield, because faders are always moving and glasses flying and all sorts of weirdness. We did a showcase in London and everything went mysteriously haywire. Still a great gig though!
Tales of the unexpected and X Files moments aside, Relish have very modest ambitions rather than ridiculous delusions of grandeur. While most Irish bands in their shoes would be swanning around fashionable bars, Relish have turned their back on the pseudo-celebrity circuit and chosen to concentrate on their forthcoming album. If we could simply inspire people in some way to get involved to pick up a guitar and start writing songs, that would be an incredible achievement. To break down barriers and misconceptions that way would mean so much to us. Coming from the North, there is definitely an attitude in so many people of living each day as it comes and making the best of it.
The force is strong in them. Hopefully the dark side won t mess with the sound desk! n