Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The Blades BACK FOR GOOD
Following the heartache of being jettisoned by their record label in 1985, Cleary and co got back together four years ago and are keen to make up for lost time ‘There’s an integrity about the band that I want to maintain and our audience expect that from
Introducing their sound to a new audience is the toughest challenge for one-time new wave darlings The Blades, but it’s one the band are relishing. Since re-forming back in 2013, Paul Cleary and co have been keen to make up for 30 years of lost time.
Not content to churn out the old classics for their small but loyal cult following, the Blades released Modernised in 2016 – only their second studio release to largely positive reviews.
“We’re releasing new stuff with renewed relish,” frontman Cleary told The Beat.
“You see a lot of bands who get back together and really it’s just a few tunes and a few beers a few quid in the pocket and away you go.
“We sat down and had a serious discussion and decided that we’re going to do this properly.
“There’s an integrity about the band that I want to maintain and our audience expect that from us.
Thankfully, for hardcore fans, the Dublin outfit are preparing to release yet more new music.
The band are set to debut their latest four track EP Everlasting Love Affair at what has become an annual gig at The Academy on December 14.
According to Cleary, Everlasting Love Affair is celebration of the bands love for the artists who have inspired them, a nod to the great bands of their era and beyond.
It also features re-recordings of a their early singles Revelations Of Heartbreak and The Bride Wore White.
There’s a few surprises to be discovered in the music; pizzicato strings on the opening track are reminiscent of The Beatles, while the acoustic We’ll Go On, has a more familiar sound.
The art-work puts their own sleeves among classics from bands like The Undertones, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Jam, and The Beatles.
“That was a bit presumptuous of us”,
Cleary laughed.
The Blades split back in 1985 after the record company they were signed to changed it’s personnel, dropping all of the bands signed by their old staff. The Blades were among the unlucky roster.
Do they ever wonder what might have been?
“Only occasionally and briefly if I’m honest, generally I’m not a glass half full or a completely positive person but nor am I one to dwell on it,” said Cleary.
“There are so many variables, I mean if a band are really good at what they do I think they’ll generally be heard, regards of what happens with their record companies and their management.
“We did hit a few bumps in the road and there’s no doubt about that – it was a horrific year for us, 1984/85.
“I don’t know how far we would have got, there’s a type of glory in not having done that though – at least you can stick your chest out and say you never sold out!”
Big things were expected of The Blades.
Originally fronted by Cleary, and backed by his brother Lar on guitar and friend Pat Larkin on drums, they built a strong reputation of the back of their uncompromising songwriting style.
Asked how their sound has matured, Cleary is keen to point out that The Blades are still as energetic as ever.
“I would be wary of the word maturing, it’s a word that can be confused with mellowing which I don’t like.
Converting the youth is what gets them going nowadays, and Cleary is promising to keep spreading the good word for as long as possible.
“Big things were expected of us,” he continued.
“But we’re trying to get people involved again and I really do think it’s possible, if we get people to come to the gigs they won’t be disappointed.
“I’ve had hardcore Blades fans bring along their children who have really enjoyed the new music.
“It’s always great when people half your age to come up to you after a gig and say they really enjoyed it!”
The Blades play The Academy on December the 14, tickets are still available through the usual outlets.