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Press to Meco
OriginCroydon/Crawley, England
GenresAlternative rock, progressive rock, post-hardcore, pop, mathcore, pop punk, metal
Years active2009–2023
LabelsBest Before Records, Marshall Records
Past members
  • Luke Caley
  • Adam Roffey
  • Lewis Williams
  • Jake Crawford
  • Mitch Mansfield
  • Doug Ryrie
Websitepresstomeco.com

Press to Meco (sometimes stylised as Press to MECO) was an English band hailing from Crawley and Croydon. The band was known for its fusing of intricate riffs, progressive sensibilities, math-influenced structures, pop choruses and three-part harmonies.

History

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2009–2014: Career beginnings, early EPs and Download appearances

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Press to Meco was formed in 2009 by Luke Caley (guitar/vocals), Mitch Mansfield (bass/vocals) and Doug Ryrie (drums/vocals). Their first gig took place in early 2009 at the final of the Crawley battle of the bands competition, having won the previous year under the name ADHD.[1] The members would go on to change in 2011 with Lewis Williams taking over drums[2] and Adam Roffey rounding out the lineup on bass.[3] Throughout the next couple of years, the band took to the stage up and down the country, including joining Hopeless Heroic on portions of their 200-date tour in 2012 – a year which also saw the release of their self-titled EP, Press to Meco.

In May 2013, a few days after the release of their second EP, Affinity, the band announced that they would be playing the Red Bull Studios stage at Download Festival later that year as one of eight winners of a nationwide competition. The band was one of two wild card entries chosen by judges of the Red Bull-sponsored competition which saw over 700 unsigned bands vie for the chance to play the Donington music festival.[4][5] 2014 picked up much of the momentum gained by the band in 2013 with continued touring, festival slots at Tech Fest and Red Fest – as well as being invited back to Download to play the larger Zippo Encore stage[6] – and the writing and recording of their debut album.[7]

2015–2017: Debut album, growing profile and signing to Marshall Records

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Beginning 2015 with a short headlining tour, Press to Meco continued the year with additional dates across the UK with supporting slots for the likes of Allusondrugs, Zoax and Funeral for a Friend,[8] before festival appearances at Hevy Fest,[9] Camden Rocks and Tech Fest. On 16 October 2015, the band released their debut album, Good Intent, through Best Before Records to a positive critical response.[10][11] The album was funded through PledgeMusic with a percentage of contributions being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.[12]

Continuing off the back of the success of their debut album, the three-piece began the following year on tour as part of the Scuzz UK Throwdown tour[13] alongside Max Raptor and Allusondrugs before heading out on the road once more in support of Essex band InME across a six-date May tour. More festival appearances followed including slots at 2000trees, Camden Rocks and the Alternative Escape showcase as part of The Great Escape Festival[14] in Brighton. In August, the band was nominated at the 2016 AIM Independent Music Awards for Independent Album of the Year[15] alongside the likes of Radiohead, Skepta and Little Simz – the award eventually going to the Little Simz album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons.[16] Having spent portions of the year writing their follow-up to Good Intent, the band flew out to Austin, Texas in September to record their sophomore effort with producer, Machine (Lamb of God, Four Year Strong) after a week of pre-production in Croydon.[17]

In 2017, the band was featured in Kerrang! Magazine's Fresh Blood feature in January,[18] while later in March undertaking a four-date tour playing Good Intent in its entirety. In July, the trio played the main stage at Amplified Festival[19] later announcing their second album, Here's to the Fatigue, scheduled for release on 17 November 2017 alongside the release of the album's first single, "If All Your Parts Don't Make a Whole".[20] The second single, title track "Here's to the Fatigue", followed in September but the album's release was put on hold as the band signed to Marshall Records, who would later release the album.[21] The band toured in support of childhood heroes SikTh in December.[22]

2018–2020: Here's to the Fatigue and departure of Roffey

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With their second album now scheduled for release on 30 March 2018,[23] the band preceded its release with third single, "Familiar Ground", while in support of Don Broco on select dates of their February tour. Much like their debut album, Here's to the Fatigue received critical acclaim upon its eventual release,[24][25] including a 4K review from Kerrang! magazine.[26] That summer the band joined the festival circuit once more, playing slots at Teddy Rocks, Fat Lip Fest and playing both an electric and acoustic set at 2000trees.[27]

Following the conclusion of their festival run, in August the band were revealed as the support for American band Shinedown on a 27-date UK and European tour from the end of October into the beginning of December.[28] Encouraged by the reception they received from their acoustic set at 2000trees, the band released an acoustic EP, simply titled Acoustic, the following year on 15 February 2019.[29] Including a rendition of "Strangers" by Sigrid, the EP also contained re-worked and re-imagined versions of songs from the band's previous two albums. In support of the release the band undertook a short acoustic tour. Festival dates followed the Acoustic EP tour with the band returning to Camden Rocks and Teddy Rocks while also playing Truck Festival,[30] Behave Festival and Slam Dunk Festival.[31] In between shows the band spent much of the year writing, releasing single, "Easy Life" on 19 September 2019.[32] Two weeks following the release of their new single, the trio took to the road for a 16-date headline tour with Chapter and Verse as support.

The band began 2020 in the United States performing at the Marshall Amps booth at the NAMM show in Los Angeles, with further shows lined up later in the year including headlining the Neu stage at 2000trees.[33] On 22 February the following month, the band announced the departure of Roffey. In July, having been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band played a remote set for the rebranded 2020 edition of 2000trees, 2000 Screens,[34] later announcing the addition of new bassist, ACODA multi-instrumentalist, Jake Crawford. Unable to tour due to the continued effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the band resumed the writing of their follow up to Here's to the Fatigue, recording the new album in the latter half of the year.

2021–2023: Third album, return to live shows and disbandment

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After weeks of teasing new music, in February the band announced their third album, Transmute, set for release on 11 June 2021; sharing lead single, "Another Day" alongside the announcement.[35][36] The second single, "Smouldering Sticks" followed a month later, but in April the band announced a delay to the album, rescheduling its release to 20 August 2021.[37] Upon its eventual release, Transmute was met with positive critical response, including another 4K review from Kerrang! magazine,[38] while also performing well commercially, peaking at number 26 on the UK Independent Albums chart and at number four on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart.[39][40] In October the band toured across the UK in support of Vukovi, marking their first live shows since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They later concluded the year by playing Reading Rising and 80 Trees, a combined event organised by 2000trees and ArcTanGent.

Beginning 2022 by playing The Black Prince in Northampton as part of Independent Venue Week,[41] the band continued into the summer with festival slots at the likes of Portals festival and Radar festival in Guildford, while returning to Reading Rising and 2000trees in May and July respectively.[42] On 9 December, the band released a statement announcing their break up. The statement read, "To everyone who's supported us and everyone who connected with our music, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. It's been a wild ride and we're truly grateful to have been on such a journey with you all. We're still best friends. We're all still making music. It's just time to bring Press to MECO to an end."[43][44] On Wednesday 5 July 2023, the band played their final show at 2000trees festival.[45]

Musical style and influences

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Press to Meco have cited a variety of bands and artists as influences including SikTh, Billy Talent, Biffy Clyro, ABBA and the Beach Boys.[46] Other acts said to inspire the trio are Reuben, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Michael Jackson, Deftones, Everything Everything and Manchester Orchestra.[47] The band has also listed Steal This Album! by System of a Down, Ire Works by Dillinger Escape Plan, Graceland by Paul Simon, Mean Everything to Nothing by Manchester Orchestra, Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness by Coheed and Cambria and Billy Talent's self-titled debut as albums that made a significant impact on them growing up.[48]

As a consequence of these wide range of influences, the band's sound has regularly defied easy categorisation, often being branded under the broad umbrella of alternative rock,[49][50] with elements of progressive rock,[51] post hardcore,[52][53] mathcore,[54] pop punk,[55] and metal[56] having been identified within their music. This struggle to accurately describe their sound has not been lost on the trio, with the band once jokingly describing their music as, "Meshuggah banging One Direction with Reuben watching in the corner."[57]

Band members

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Past members

  • Luke Caley – guitar/vocals (2009–2023)
  • Mitch Mansfield – bass/vocals (2009–2011)
  • Doug Ryrie – drums/vocals (2009–2011)
  • Adam Roffey – bass/vocals (2011–2020)
  • Lewis Williams – drums/vocals (2011–2023)
  • Jake Crawford – bass/vocals (2020–2023)[58]
Timeline

Discography

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Albums

EPs

References

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  1. ^ "Crawley Battle of the Bands - ADHD (Final)". YouTube. 14 April 2011.
  2. ^ "Natal drums: Lewis Williams". Marshall. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Future Hits 191: Press to MECO". Thrash Hits. 24 February 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Download 2013: Final bands announced to play Red Bull live". Purple Revolver. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  5. ^ "NEWS: Red Bull Studios confirm 8 winning bands to perform at Download Festival 2013!". Dead Press. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Download 2014". Download Festival. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  7. ^ "LSRadio's Brendan Walsh spoke to Press to Meco about their upcoming album and tour antics with Fizzy Blood ahead of their gig at Sound City". Mix Cloud. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Times of Tunbridge Wells issue 21". Times of Tunbridge Wells. 22 July 2015. p. 66. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  9. ^ "Hevy Fest add more bands including the return of the Fall of Troy". Punktastic. 26 March 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  10. ^ "Album review: Press to Meco - Good Intent". Already Heard. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  11. ^ "Press to Meco - Good Intent album review". Hit the Floor Magazine. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Press to Meco: Good Intent". The Courier Online. 26 October 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  13. ^ "Press to Meco, Max Raptor and AllUsOnDrugs to team up for Scuzz TV Throwdown UK tour 2016". Rock Sins. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  14. ^ "Heck, Zoax, Bad Sign and more for Scuzz showcase at the Great Escape". Punktastic. 22 March 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  15. ^ "News: AIM Independent Music Awards 2016 full shortlist announced". God is in the TV. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  16. ^ "Christine and the Queens, Stormzy and Daughter win AIM awards 2016". DIY Mag. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  17. ^ "Press to MECO: "I'm so happy we took the risk and went for it!"". Upset Magazine. 29 March 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  18. ^ "Fresh Blood: Stars of 2017 Special part 3". Kerrang. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  19. ^ "Amplified Open Air Festival Launch". Anti Hero Magazine. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  20. ^ "Press To Meco Return With New Single If All Your Parts Don't Make A Whole, New Album Lands In November". Rock Sins. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Their pursuit of musical excellence is inspirational: Marshall Records sign Press to Meco". Music Week. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  22. ^ "SiKth to be joined by Devil Sold his Soul and Press to Meco on December 2017 tour". Circuit Sweet. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  23. ^ "Press to Meco - Here's to the Fatigue". Alt Corner. 26 March 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  24. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: 'Here's to the Fatigue' by Press to MECO". The Soundboard. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  25. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: Here's to the Fatigue - Press to MECO". Distorted Sound. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  26. ^ "Run to the light: Press to Meco convert darkness into light on second album". Kerrang!. No. 1714. 20 March 2018.
  27. ^ "Festival Preview: 2000trees Festival 2018". Already Heard. 9 July 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  28. ^ "NEWS: Shinedown announce UK tour for October/November 2018!". Dead Press. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  29. ^ "INTERVIEW: Press to MECO (11/02/2019)". Dead Press. 18 February 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  30. ^ "Truck festival 2019 line-up: Foals, Wolf Alice and Two Door Cinema Club announced as headliners". Evening Standard. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Neck Deep, Boston Manor and more added to Slam Dunk Festival 2019". Kerrang. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  32. ^ "WATCH PRESS TO MECO'S DARK NEW VIDEO". Rock Sound. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  33. ^ "Press to Meco, Beans on Toast, Thrill Collins And More Confirmed For 2000trees!". Noizze. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  34. ^ "NEWS: 2000trees Festival to host virtual festival for 2020!". Dead Press. 7 July 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  35. ^ "This Is Everything You Need To Know About Press To MECO's New Album, 'Transmute'". Rock Sound. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  36. ^ "Press to MECO announce third album Transmute, launch new single Another Day". Kerrang!. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  37. ^ "Press To MECO Have Rescheduled The Release Date Of Their New Album 'Transmute'". Rock Sound. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  38. ^ "Album review: Press To MECO - Transmute". Kerrang. 22 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  39. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50: 27 August 2021–2 September 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40: 27 August 2021–2 September 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  41. ^ "The Black Prince reveals first acts to play Independent Venue Week next year". Northampton Chronicle & Echo. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  42. ^ "The Regrettes, Creeper and more join 2000trees line-up". Kerrang!. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  43. ^ "Press to MECO have announced that they are calling it a day". Upset Magazine. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  44. ^ "Press To MECO Have Called It A Day". Rock Sound. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  45. ^ "2000trees Festival 2023 - The 15 Artists You Cannot Miss". Noizze. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  46. ^ "Interview: Luke Caley and Lewis Williams of Press to Meco". Moshville. 15 December 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  47. ^ "Artists: Press to Meco". Marshall. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  48. ^ "6 Records That Changed Our Lives - Press To MECO". Vulturehound. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  49. ^ "NEWS: Press to MECO unveil video for new single, 'Easy Life'". Dead Press. 21 September 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  50. ^ "Press To Meco Supporting Shinedown's MASSIVE European Tour This Month". Frontview Magazine. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  51. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: 'Here's To The Fatigue' by Press To MECO". The Soundboard. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  52. ^ "Press To Meco - Here's To The Fatigue". Alt Corner. 26 March 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  53. ^ "Slam-Dunk festival act hits Swindon". The Ocelot. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  54. ^ "Album of the Week: Here's To The Fatigue by Press to MECO". Medium. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  55. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: Press To MECO - Here's To The Fatigue". Dead Press. 10 April 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  56. ^ "Live Review: Press To Meco @ Jumpin' Jacks". The Courier Online. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  57. ^ "Press To Meco - Interview". YouTube. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  58. ^ "NEWS: Press To MECO announce third album, 'Transmute'!". Dead Press. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
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