Before its inception Johnny O’Brien (Vocals/Bass) and Stephen Whelan (Drums) were the rhythm section that powered rock trio Tortured Artists Social Club. TASC earned reasonable commercial and critical success, earning accolades such as a Dan Hegarty 2FM session, several radio show “Single of the Week†appearances and extensive touring throughout Ireland, the USA and Australia, with their sound being described as “A little sexy, a little sleazy†by 2FM’s Jenny Huston in her debut “MyCoke†Podcast.
Having lost their guitarist in late 2007 and becoming increasingly disillusioned with a music scene that seemed obsessed with appearing stylish while lacking in originality and substance, Johnny and Stephen disbanded TASC and set about finding a new way. In reaction to the void around them the duo started writing material that had a heavier edge. Intense and intelligently dark, the new songs used atmospheric electronics to balance the powerful rhythm section around which they built their sound.
Lyrically, Johnny’s words are written from a perspective of disappointment with a society bent on instant gratification and revelling in its own decadence. Aspiring to personal strength he explores his desire to be more than the sum of his own parts and experiences while acknowledging his own fundamental flaws.
Under the guidance of God is an Astronaut guitarist and creative force Torsten Kinsella they began to mould their ideas into a sound, and demoed the track “One Word†in Quill Lane Studio, which is still available for free download from their website and myspace.
With a new sound came a new name and “Saints of Descent†was chosen to reflect the bands lyrical and personal ideology.
Saints of Descent spent most of spring and summer 2008 writing and demoing new material, pushing the boundaries of their song writing ability. The creative juices were flowing, but the real breakthrough didn’t happen until mid 2008 when the fledgling group recruited two guitarists to breathe life into their ideas. Dan O’Gorman was first to join, a session guitarist who learned his instrument through intensive touring, creating an intuitive, fluid style of play. Soon after the lineup was finalised by Brian Bowell.
At present the group are refining their sound and making final preparations before heading to the studio to cut their first EP.
For further info contact: [email protected]
