The band played a series of gigs at Manchester's In The City festival. James Mudriczki, Neil McDonald, Anthony Szuminski and Kevin Matthews met on a bus on their way to watch the Stone Roses play at Spike Island. Matthews watched the Stone Roses' Gary Mounfield play bass and Matthews bought himself a bass guitar.[citation needed] The rest of the members followed suit and bought the necessary equipment to complete a band, although they had little to no musical experience or training.
Through much practice their music developed and they decided on the name Puressence, a name instantly identified by most Mancunians for the paper letters 'P'-'U'-'R'-'E'-'S'-'S'-'E'-'N'-'C'-'E', which were plastered around Manchester city centre, on derelict buildings, and on bridges (the most notable being the railway bridge opposite the Haçienda).Manchester independent record label 2 Damn Loud released two singles and there was a further single with Rough Trade Singles Club.
The big breakthrough came a couple of years later, when the band signed to Island Records.
In August 2003, after more than ten years with Puressence, guitarist and founder member McDonald left the band. He was replaced by Lowell Killen, who is originally from the Isle of Man. He has played in other bands and left Manchester band Dry Riser to join Puressence.
In 2004, the band played at The Witchwood in Ashton-under-Lyne.
In 2006, the band released a single titled "Palisades" on new Manchester label Reaction, followed by an album, Don't Forget To Remember, in September 2007.
On 10 and 11 September 2008 Puressence played their first shows in the US. The first was at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. The next night they played the Apple Store in SoHo. The opening song at the Mercury Lounge was "I Suppose". They passed out free CD singles of "Don't Know Any Better" to many fans around the United States.
The band split in late 2013.
The band currently consisted of:
James Mudriczki: Vocals
Lowell Killen: Guitar
Kevin Matthews: Bass guitar
Tony Szuminski: Drums / percussion
Analgesic Love Song
Puressence Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big, big city colours, small people despair
It's just an analgesic love song but it's wearing me out
All you disenfranchised children it's time to come out
And it feels like I'm home again
And it feels like we've got to shelter from the rain
You say that you can, but I'm more of a man
You can't hold me down
You say that you will, but I still got the will
You can't hold me down
And if everybody's mobile, why don't nobody move?
Just your Intel, hard-sell lifestyle disrupting your groove
I got a face down ball gown angel
I wish she were mine
And this analgesic love song that makes me drive blind
And it feels like I'm home again
And it feels like we've got to shelter from the rain
You say that you can, but I'm more of a man
You can't hold me down
You say that you will, but you can't break my will
You can't hold me down
You say that you can, but I'm more of a man
You can't hold me down
No, No
No, No
The lyrics of Puressence's song Analgesic Love Song paint a scene of devastation in slow motion. The use of the phrase "on a wing and a prayer" adds a sense of desperation and uncertainty to the situation. The contrast between the "big, big city colours" and the "small people despair" highlights the disconnect between those in power and those struggling to survive. The title of the song itself suggests a numbness to the pain that comes with love, as if the singer is trying to protect themselves from feeling too much.
The chorus, "And it feels like I'm home again, and it feels like we've got to shelter from the rain," suggests a longing for a sense of belonging and safety. The verses that follow portray a struggle against someone who is trying to hold the singer down, with lines like "You say that you can, but I'm more of a man, you can't hold me down." The singer seems to be fighting for their independence and their right to make their own choices.
The final verse introduces a mysterious figure in a "face down ball gown," adding to the sense of turmoil and confusion in the song. Overall, the lyrics of Analgesic Love Song seem to be a commentary on the struggles of everyday life and the need to break free from societal constraints.
Line by Line Meaning
Devastation in slow motion on a wing and a prayer
A feeling of destruction and chaos that is slowly but surely getting worse and struggling to hold onto hope.
Big, big city colours, small people despair
Bright and exciting lights and colors of the city, but the people feel helpless and hopeless in their struggles.
It's just an analgesic love song but it's wearing me out
The love song is only numbing the pain but the exhaustion one feels is not fading.
All you disenfranchised children it's time to come out
For those children who feel disconnected, it's time to find their voice and come out from hiding.
And it feels like I'm home again
Comfort and familiarity make it seem like home.
And it feels like we've got to shelter from the rain
A desire to seek protection during a difficult time.
You say that you can, but I'm more of a man
An assertion of self-confidence and strength to stand independently.
You can't hold me down
Refusing to be restrained or controlled.
You say that you will, but I still got the will
Knowing one's own strength and determination, no matter what is said.
And if everybody's mobile, why don't nobody move?
People are always on the move, but no one is actually making progress or moving forward.
Just your Intel, hard-sell lifestyle disrupting your groove
A fast-paced lifestyle, influenced by technology, affecting one's natural rhythm and flow.
I got a face down ball gown angel I wish she were mine
Desiring companionship from an elegant and beautiful person who appears as if they too are struggling.
And this analgesic love song that makes me drive blind
A love song that only dulls the senses and impedes one's progress or vision.
No, No
A definitive statement of refusal or disagreement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Anthony Szuminski, James Mudriczki, Kevin Matthews, Neil Mcdonald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rob Maddison
I remember being at Castlefield Arena in 1996 when a group of rapscallions were sat on the steps predicting an uninspiring sound check and Puressence blasted this out full passion. I've never seen chavs shut the F up with jaws on the floor quicker in my life lol.
Problembeing
My favourite <3
necaacen
how many times have i sat in the car park waiting to eat away your pain? its the cold that keeps me warm...