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t first began as a vague idea in July of 2004. Richard Pilawski (ex-Sex With Lurch,
The Myriad Form), tired of playing in other people's bands, wanted to start something of his own. Meeting Eric
Schreeck (ex-Suprechrome) at a local karaoke bar and inspired by his voice, Richard asked if he'd like to join
forces and start a band. Some ideas were passed back and forth with work on the project starting seriously as
late as January of 2006.Having been recently attracted to Victorian fantasy fiction, Richard decided he wanted to create the musical equivalent. Drawing inspiration from his favorite musical genres, he chose to use the bass guitar to represent the "punk", a drum machine would represent the "steam" driving engine and pre-programmed keyboards would fill out the rest, using sounds that reminded one of the Victorian-era instruments (strings, brass, choir, piano, and the like.) No guitars or live drums were allowed. |
 Eric was excited by the prospect of
writing songs in a more literary mode and looked to artists such as Nick Cave and Tom Waits for inspiration. He
began creating a fictional Victorian world for the band, filled with denizens and places, both original and inspired
by previous fictional works, that made appearances in the songs and artwork.In 2007, enough songs were "demo'd up" enough to get a live show off the ground, but Richard felt he needed another hand to elevate the band to the next level. Enter violinist Jennifer Pomerantz (Demonika & The Darklings). She would fill out the 'guitarist' role with her violin, in this newly christened Victorian synth-punk band as a full participant, becoming the third Gentleman with her graceful, highly atmospheric playing further enhancing the already fantastic melodies and stories being forged. |
 The UXG players are:~ Eric (Malcom Schreeck)... sings, howls and falls about the place. ~ Richard (Professor Mangrove)... plays bass, programs drum loops and keyboards. ~ Jennifer "Devlyn" (J. Frances)... plays the violin and casts spells. ~ The Indifference Engine... the rhythm/sequencer machine. Unextraordinary Gentlemen are sometimes tongue-in-cheek ("Mr. Soot's Little Black Book", "All You Want"), occasionally pretty serious ("Black Iron Road", "Frozen Mood") and, more often than not, self deprecating in a mostly humorous way. They just want to have fun, bringing their unique blend of musicality and theatricality to the material, especially in their rambunctious live shows, be they small or large, at clubs, art galleries, and maybe someday, a theater near you! Bringing the old world to the new world, from 1887 to 1987 and beyond!… |
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