Roman Remains Will Bring Synth and Goth Infused Rock to Beachland Ballroom on Wednesday, March 19
There’s a mystique to Leila Moss. An aspect that is not surface level, but leaves you transfixed as to wondering what’s beneath the figure; what’s behind the platinum blond, short hair cut that doesn’t convey pixie, but firefly from hell. She is the Siren of Roman Remains, alluring listeners and adding the sensual flavor to the pounding drums and lurking guitar of the pop, punk and goth infused music the band creates.
“I wave my arms around a lot,” laughs Moss, discussing her stage presence. “I find it hard not to. They’re like my antennae to the music.” She can’t help but to laugh and mock herself. But that’s the element she brings as the singer; the feminine, laced with aggression vocals that embody Roman Remains.
If Moss embodies the band, then fellow The Duke Spirit member, Toby Butler, pumps the blood. While on break from his other band, Roman Remains became Butler’s brainchild after further delving into his love of music and experimenting with synthesizers.
“It’s really very much Toby,” Moss explains. “He was keen to make music in a self-entertaining way, with vignettes or soundscapes of beats. He played them for me, and I geeked out and began to write melodies to them.”
Zeal, a play on zealous, sounds like a combination of Nine Inch Nails and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Butler and Moss’ creation evokes the industrial element, with a brooding side and dash of femininity rooted in darkness.
“I’ve always loved rock ‘n’ roll. And the record is an oscillation between gentle and dark. Our intentions were to invoke a broad range of feelings, to expose the dark and check out the cavernous depths of emotions. A sensual over drive.”
Butler and Moss worked alongside producer, Damian Taylor (Bjork/Austra/UNKLE) creating sounds and pasting textures to form soundscapes, chopping up ideas and scratching down ideas to sculpt their ethereal sound.
“I’m so happy about how the songs feel live,” Moss proclaims. “They feel robust, loud and in-depth.”
Upon release of Zeal, Roman Remains played three huge shows at The Sayers Club in LA, and recently at SXSW. Now, they’re heading out on tour with Gary Numan of 80s rock band, The Cars, and Big Black Delta.
“[Performing live] makes me remember why I love making music. I can’t help but to get into it and bring the energy.”
Roman Remains, Gary Numan, and Big Black Delta will perform at The Beachland Ballroom on Wednesday, March 19 at 7pm.
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