History

PsYche came about as a result of two bands coming together to write songs.

Secret People (Paul McKendrick and Paul Siddall) were dropped by Jive Records/Zomba Publishing at the end of the 80s. They were a ‘recording’ band but wanted to get into ‘live’ playing and eventually found drummer Colin Waterman and two Leeds College of Music students, Japanese guitarists Masaki (now at the Guitar Institute in L.A) and Akira (now back playing in Japan.) When Masaki and Akira finished their courses and said goodbye a hunt was on for a guitarist and bass player who could really put on a show and play live.  Secret People were asked to check out a kick-ass covers band called Billy’s Fridge.

Billy’s Fridge were wowing West Yorkshire audiences with full-on covers of classic rock but what caught the eye was Billy’s showmanship.  Guitarist Steve Chrisanthou and bass player Andy Thornton were asked to join on the spot.

Secret People continued to gig under that name but as songwriting with the new members ensued it became apparent that a new beast was being created. With loud riffing, block harmonies, unusual time signatures, pop choruses and a conscious nod to 70’s rock heroes like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Rush, Yes etc. it was obvious that a new working title was needed and so was born PsYche.

 

This early (circa 1993) shows the PsYche line-up.

In 1993 a second-hand 24 track recorder was bought in Poole, Dorset (a 500 mile round trip to pick it up) and the recording of Psy Complex began in early 1993 and continued throughout 1994.  Three final tracks were recorded at Pot ‘n’ Panz in Bradford. Meanwhile PsYche gigged and built up a sizable fan base. In 1994 Psy Complex was ready and the CD Launch was done at Bradford College to a packed house. Throughout 1994 and 1995 PsYche played up and down the country sometimes taking coach-loads of fans to far away venues like The Orange Club in London and even well known rock gigs in Grimsby, Hull and Cleethorpes! (Further a-field-fans would often let PsYche stay in their homes to cut down on costs!)

Paul McKendrick’s brother David helped out with the making of the Milk’s Gone Sour video which was aired on European TV stations. The band played the open-air Bradford festival at the University, and Crosstown Traffic was played on Radio 1. PsYche also did acoustic gigs in London, radio broadcasts for local radio and music biz showcases at various London venues. They even got a support in Bradford to The Bay City Rollers!

It was apparent from the start that PsYche would have problems in convincing major record companies that they were a viable commercial option. However, interest from smaller independent publishing/recording companies in the UK. Europe, America and Japan was high. Enquiries were received from New York and L.A (music for use in a TV series) as well as management offers from Birmingham and London. After protracted negotiations with many parties PsYche found it difficult to compromise on contractual issues and throughout 1995-6 continued with the recording of PsYche’s next CD Angels and Demons. Relentless gigging also continued gaining more fans, kept up to date by the renowned PsYche Junk Mail.

PsYche’s momentum was beginning to wane by early 1997 and when record company interest fell away the band eventually ran out of steam. Angel and Demons was never finished and other musical projects opened up for different members in the band. By 1997 everyone agreed to bring PsYche to a close.

In 2004 a Psy Complex 10th anniversary reunion gig was done in Bradford, 200 people showed up virtually by word-of-mouth and had a great night. People who had never seen the band asked when the next gig was…”errr…..2014?”.