The Devil’s Playground Interviews Neuri
The Devil’s Playground interviewed the Band Neuri from Sheffield.
Smashing together multiple genres and riding a wave of beautiful yet brutal soundscapes “Neuri” encapsulate an atmospheric yet dark future. Pulsing rhythms beaten intricately by the machine that is Thomas Jessop bound together with the mighty stronghold of Ben Meaton’s Bass. The unique waves of delay ridden guitar tapestries created by Mathew James Smith‘s Telecaster all topped with lyrics and ideas from dream states and dark times all unfold to create a new message you need to experience.
The Questions and the Answers of the Band
We asked to the Band 10 Questions to get to know them a little bit more. Mathew Smith (Mat) was the creator of Neuri Music who eventually found two talented musicians to make Neuri complete. He is answering to our questions today.
Where did you come up with the name Neuri? And what does It mean?
I (Mat) came up with Neuri because my name is Mat James Smith and It would have been impossible to find my music from a search so I took inspiration from the guitarist Plini and made neuron into a Neuri then I searched that word and found out It was an ancient tribe from Poland who Herodotus the great historian claimed could turn into wolves.
How did you guys meet?
I met Ben as He tattoos at the place where my girlfriend works. I taught him to play the guitar and then the bass. I met TJ (Thomas Jessop) through a friend at work Who showed me TJ’s old band and I could tell he was fantastic.
Who in the band has the biggest bromance?
Erm dunno on the bromance dude ahah
We just know It is between Mathew and TJ, just check out their comical videos on Their Facebook Page.
Who are the bands musical influences?
TOOL, Faith No More, Smashing Pumpkins, Tigran Hamasyan, Plini and David Maxim Micic.
If you could go on tour with any band who would it be?
I would definitely go with Plini. TJ says just with someone cool.
When are you planning on releasing an album?
We are not sure yet, but We are recording some singles in a studio on Wednesday (27.03-2019)!!
Who is in the band and what to you all do for a living?
I Play Guitar and Sing and at the moment I work at a local zoo. Ben is at the Bass and is a Tattoo Artist. Tom that plays Drums is Drum teacher.
And now the most important question. If you could be a fruit what would you be?
Banana. Tj wants to be a Mango because “Man He can Go where the f***k He wants”.
We never received an answer from Ben so we took It upon ourselves to make the decision for Him. We chose Prickly Pear.
What’s next for Neuri?
We are planning to play many shows this year and in summer the iconic music event Tramlines in the heart of Sheffield. We are also releasing music as a Band in the next month.
What venue would you like to play?
We would love to plat at Sydney Opera House with a full orchestra.
Neuri has been together only a few months but they are really carving a massive niche for themselves. You can see lashings of Oceansize but It’s clear their collective influences are far heavier. Expansive soundscapes all held together by a rhythm section that seem to egg each other on to take the songs in different direction every time they play. Guitar/Singer Mat is a real virtuous, his tone ans style made every guitar boy in the room erect. I have no idea what this lads can achieve as It just all sounds so new. But what I do know is that It’ll sound amazing.
