
The Swansea Mass is
currently a trio:
Emma Bryant - drums
Charlie Moore - bass
Jeff Rufo - guitar, vocals
The Swansea Mass was formed in
the fall of 2002 when Emma Bryant
and Jeff Rufo found themselves at
loose ends after the dissolution of their previous bands (Salomé
and Abandoned Silos respectively). They were soon joined by
bassist Anne Stevens -- who left the band and Chicago in late 2004.
For the
November 2003 recording of the "silver
venus" 7", the trio was joined by guitarist Pavan
Singh.
Listen to mp3 audio files: clips
from both sides of the 7" and live recordings from an Empty Bottle show
in March 2004.
Swansea Mass takes its name from a place: Jeff Rufo's hometown. It
is a riverside town that is beautiful but economically challenged. The same
combination of beauty and hardship is the basis of many of the band's
lyrics. Musically, the band counts the Soft Boys, Galaxie 500,
Jonathan Richman, and My Bloody Valentine among its influences.
In May 2003, their track "Except By Sound" appeared on
the Second Base CD compilation released by
Mr. Hyde Records to
coincide with the third annual Hyde Park (Chicago) Music Festival.
You can e-mail Swansea Mass
at:
swansea-mass@loud-devices.com
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