Nexus Meets… Us
Blending the sounds of Radiohead, Dodgy and The Smashing Pumpkins, Us is bringing old-school rock to the 21st century. Using soaring vocals, ear-splitting guitars and pounding drums, the Finnish five-some will win your heart while blasting through your headphones. We speak with the group about their debut single ‘Paisley Underground’, challenges when recording and future plans.
What drew you to music?
Systematic manipulation by people around us.
What can you tell us about your single ‘Paisley Underground’?
‘Paisley’ was written a year ago in Manchester after a show which was actually the first time we played there. After the show, we were sitting in the hostel lobby and on the radio they had a song by The Bangles – which was a paisley underground band, you know? So, that inspired the lyrics and the whole thing was written straight away.
If you could change anything about ‘Paisley Underground’ what would it be?
Well, I guess everyone always thinks they could’ve played their parts a bit differently. You see, we are a live band and a lot of the stuff is improvised, so each time we a particular song it’s a bit different.
Did you face any challenges when writing and recording the track?
Max, who plays the lead guitar on this one, had a high fever when we were supposed to go to the studio so he recorded his part at home. This was in March last year so there weren’t Covid tests around – at least in Finland there weren’t, so we didn’t know what it was.
Do you think your Finnish background influences your music?
Not sure, but I think it gives us a different sort of edge to this type of music.
What do you hope people take from your music?
The feeling.
How would you describe your music to a new listener?
Come to see us play.
Do you have any future plans?
Too many, for sure, so let’s just say we’ll release new music during the summer.