Looking back with The Bacchae

The Bacchae taking it easy in the rehearsal room

Leeds band The Bacchae are looking back as well as forwards, taking their inspiration from a host of bands from the 1960s and 70s.

Presumably there aren't many bands around named after a play by ancient Greek writer Euripides.

The hero of that text is Dionysus, one of life's ultimate hedonists, so maybe there should be more?

Whether Leeds band named themselves after the original Greek text or Joe Orton's 60s update is a moot point.

Either way they're about creating an energy and vitality in their music to please the most ardent hedonist.

They've been together for over two years now, coming together when guitarist Jim and vocalist Harriet stopped playing in 'bedroom' bands long enough to put together a band that didn't just look good on paper but could cut the mustard in reality.

Indeed, once the line-up was crystallised, the band would be everyone's first proper attempt at being in a band. Starting off as so many bands do, they played a set of cover versions.

The songs they were most interested in were songs by bands who'd split up even before any of the band had been born - The Bacchae are not enamoured of modern sounds.

"We started by covering the classic 60s punk and psychedelic tracks by the likes of The Seeds, Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband etc., and then moved into early 70s territory - influenced by The Stooges, T Rex and Roxy Music."

"There's something about that era that appeals - the lack of pretentiousness, the desire to be doing something different away from commercial concerns. We love that pre-digital sound and try and pick up vintage equipment to give us that kind of sound."

"We've found it easy to get gigs in the current climate. There are so many bands on the Leeds scene and plenty of venues willing to dole out gigs but we don't wanna burn ourselves out and gig for the sake of it. We're patient - we'll wait for the right gigs!"

The Bacchae Harriet Hyde - vocals Jimmy - guitar Dave Vachon - bass Rob The Fox - organ Dom McCready - drums

"We'd all love to turn this from a hobby into a career but we're astute enough to realise that there are many pitfalls and you've gotta keep your eyes wide open in this business. Plus we wanna keep it fun - as soon as it becomes a drag and a strain on relationships, then that's when we'll call it a day."

The band have played outside the city with gigs all over the UK, and feel that everywhere has its own feel: "The scene in Leeds seems to be different to the one in Liverpool which is different to Manchester's scene and that differs from London - so you can't take anything for granted.

"You've gotta go out at these gigs and show them you're worth more than their local favourites as so many young music fans are getting into their local scenes rather than reading about heroes from far away."

"We're not just about being an energetic live act, though, songwriting is important and we'd got quite a few songs in the bank which we then put on MySpace - which has become THE tool for 21st Century bands to advance their careers."

"It's almost impossible to get a band off the ground these days without the connections you can make online. Possible managers and promoters can see what you're all about at the click of a mouse."

Initially the band created their own night "Bad Taste" as a way of launching themselves on the general public. The nights created a buzz but rather than do all the work, they'd like a manager to take over eventually so they can concentrate purely on the music.

The next logical step was to put out a record and the band were eager for it to be on vinyl, if possible, but the five-track debut EP (released in June 2009) was only released on CD, so the band will have to wait for their very own piece of black plastic:

"We're all record collectors and vinyl is the chosen medium - it just sounds better. Don't get us wrong, technology can help in certain areas but when it comes to the sound, digital just doesn't cut it. To put out a record that you can hold in your hand, something tangible, is our next big goal and hopefully we can progress from there to...well, who knows?"