Gretanova; a Sheffield based alternative metal/rock band who in their five year stretch have gone through several lineup changes. Made up of five musicians with varying influences, not one of these performers can suggest a single band they agree on, but this makes song writing more interesting.
Formed in 2006, Gretanova started out as a female fronted post-grunge/country outfit based in Leeds. They featured lead & rhythm guitars, bass and kept timing using a drum machine. After 5 months and a few ideas for songs they replaced the drum machine with actual human and surviving member James Hart who took over the grungy drum sound well and adding elements of his own.
Following months of song writing and practice the majority of the band moved to Sheffield and the surrounding area so they began to practise at Yellow Arch (home to several famous bands such as Pulp). They then recorded their first demo track, a version of Doll, in Leeds. Shortly after original rhythm guitarist Ross McWhannel decided to emigrate to New Zealand leaving the band as four peice for a few months. He was eventually replaced by lead guitarist Dunstan Blay.
With a few months of practising, and the lineup firmly in place, Gretanova finally began to think about gigging and recording. With several gigs down in Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Devon, the band went into the studio and recorded their demo recording "Your Children Are Not Special", named after a famous Bill Hicks routine. The demo was recorded at Iron Works in Sheffield on a very small budget and mixed by Gretanova guitarist Lee McCormick.
After a couple of years gigging and song writing Dunstan decided to leave in order to move to London. This followed shortly by founding members Charlie Hill and Andy Glynn (Bass) who decided to move onto other things leaving Gretanova as a 2 peice. Luckily new guitarist Matt Churchard was found very shortly after and with Lee switching to Bass allowed the band to continue writing as a 3 peice.
After a few months of auditions Gretanova finally evolved into the band they are now. With vocalist Ben Moorhouse bringing with him much need synth and guitarist Mark Vincent adding power and structure, the band continued to gig with a much harsher metallier edge than previous lineups.
Gretanova has played Leeds and Sheffield this year, debuting new songs to audiences. The new EP 100th Idiot was recorded over two days at the end of May at Cellar Door Recordings in Rotherham. It has two brand new songs and an old one, and blends melodic rock with clashy drums and shouty vocals. G retanova will be playing across West and South Yorkshire in the coming months, and can also be contacted below.
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