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
Behind The Man
Puressence Lyrics
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Behind the tree
Behind the man
Behind the fence
Behind the way of pure deceit
Behind the way I take offence
Behind the face
Behind the first
Behind the last
Puressence's song "Behind The Man" is a haunting and introspective piece that delves into the idea of hiding one's true self behind various external objects or facades. The song suggests that behind every person or situation, there is often something hidden or obscured, whether it be a man, a tree, a fence, or a face. The lyrics also touch on themes such as deception, offense, and the duality of human nature.
The repeated use of the word "behind" creates a sense of secrecy and hiddenness that mirrors the way we often conceal our true selves from others. The song's somber melody and melancholic vocals add to the overall sense of introspection and introspection that pervades the lyrics.
Through "Behind The Man," Puressence explores the complex relationship between external appearances and inner truths. It is as if the song is a call for honesty and authenticity, rather than hiding behind masks and illusions. In this way, the song can be seen as a meditation on the human condition, and a reminder of the importance of being true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Behind the man
Just like there is always someone behind every successful man, there are also events, circumstances or people who contribute to his success, but remain unseen.
Behind the tree
Just like how a person can hide behind a tree, there are things that we choose to hide from others or that remain hidden from us.
Behind the fence
Just like how a fence can serve as a barrier between two places or people, there are times where we are separated from others due to external circumstances or our own choices.
Behind the way of pure deceit
Just like how some people choose to deceive others for their own gain, there are also ways of thinking or behaving that can lead us down a path of dishonesty and manipulation.
Behind the way I take offence
Just like how we can be offended by something someone says or does, there are times where our own beliefs or biases can cause us to take offence where it may not be warranted.
Behind the face
Just like how a person can wear a mask to hide their true identity or feelings, there are times where we may put on a façade or hide our emotions to protect ourselves or avoid vulnerability.
Behind the glass
Just like how an object behind a glass barrier may appear distorted or unreachable, there are things in our lives that may seem out of reach or difficult to fully understand or access.
Behind the first
Just like how we often remember the first time we experience something, there are events or moments that shape who we are and influence the choices we make throughout our lives.
Behind the last
Just like how the last of something can signify an end or conclusion, there are times in our lives where we must come to terms with closure or letting go of something or someone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Anthony Szuminski, James Mudriczki, Kevin Matthews, Neil Mcdonald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jendaby
I adore Puressence! I wish it were easier to purchase their music in the States! And James Mudriczki has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.
@drummerboyrocks
his voice is even more powerful live! have seen them loads of times,his voice is extraordinary! fucking awesome band!
@eindustrial
i heard this song in Hitman Contracts loved it [2]
@karthikkulkarni9458
I first heard this in Hitman contracts and I always thought that a female sang this.....his voice is amazing
@guillaumegillet_be
This is a great band! It's a shame that they are no so well known.. Guillaume Gillet
@Problembeing
Excellent production on this. Still have both my CD singles :) A real powerhouse.
@MrEdrazo
Top tune! Underrated band!
@p0ppyfarr95
Such a fucking badass song from a badass band!!!!! DIscovered them in Hitman: Contracts like all of y'all.
Why didn't AMC thought about using an awesome song like this for the Walking Dead?! Would've been perfect for either seasons 2 or 5!
@AEKAskenburne
I like this song, because it is so powerful. It evokes some kind of "desperado"-feeling. Ich mag das Lied, es ist so kraftvoll. Es ruft eine Art von "Desperado"-Gefühl in mir hervor. Greetings from Germany. :-)
@Deere55
is that vibrato thing he does with his voice really him, or is it done with effects? because thats amazing