Gene show pop pedigree
Up-and-coming British rock group Gene want to kick the living hell out of Jon Bon Jovi . . . for no particular reason.
'The guy didn't cross us or anything,' says the band's outspoken vocalist Martin Rossiter. 'It's only that he made records that topped half of the world and this is what we want. We don't want to live in the independent or alternative gutter, but up there annoying people in America or Hong Kong.' Annoying people in Hong Kong? They did anything but at a show at Jimmy's Sports Bar on Tuesday which drew 500 screaming fans.
This four-member outfit has certainly stolen some of the limelight in recent months from fellow British bands Oasis and Pulp.
Formed in mid-1993, Gene released their debut single, For the Dead, the following year, a 2,000-copy limited pressing which sold out in two days.
'It's difficult for us to judge the reason [for it's success] because it's so ingrained in our very tissue,' Rossiter says. 'We chose the song to introduce the band - it was a bit brave to say we exist almost in our own world.' The single prompted an amazing 59 companies - including publishing and record offers from the United States - to beg for their signatures on the dotted line. They picked Polydor (UK) because of the artistic freedom the deal allows.
Rossiter explains: 'We can still decide on what goes on the record or the sleeves. They are not looking over my shoulder.' The albums Olympian and To See the Lights followed.
Gene formed from the ashes of a not so pleasant end to the band in which guitarist Steve Mason - raised in Hong Kong - and drummer Matt James were playing. The bassist in that band suffered total amnesia after a car accident and the band folded. 'Basically, there were only Steve and I left - with broken bones,' says James.
With Oasis, Pulp and Blur claiming notches all over the British charts, Gene certainly have their work cut out for them to claim their place in the pantheon of pop.
Rossiter, though, says Gene are here to stay. 'We've already topped Oasis because it is the effect that your music has on people that counts.' How far do they want to go? Rossiter explained the band's ambition by way of an unusual reference to James Bond films. One-third of the world's population has seen a Bond movie - Gene say they want to be more successful than that. 'Let our records be history,' he says.
In pursuit of this grand dream, Gene will hole up in the studio for the next three months racking their brains for better melodies as they work on their third album. Expect to hear more in October.
