CyrsalidHomo formed in 2019 and since then have gone on from strength to strength on the Manchester music scene. Regularly playing Manchester, and its outlying boroughs multitude of independent bars and clubs, the Salfordian locals bring an energy and style all their own to every show they perform. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Lawrence Duke, the front man of the outfit, and Gary, their producer/manager to talk to them about the bands evolution, and how it has shaped their next and third studio album “Novus Ordo” due to drop on June 14th of this year.
Stepping into the studio the first thing that struck me was how comfortable and at ease both men seemed. Lawrence stood behind the microphone wearing comfortable shorts and a pair of socks with a “Daddysaurus” motif on the side, while Gary sat at the computer prompting him into attempting different versions of melodies. The enthusiasm in the room was contagious. Clearly writing and recording are as much a labor of love as they are a huge part of the band’s musicianship, and it was a pleasure witnessing them at work.
During a break they took the time to show me a track off the new album and talk to me about their influences and direction. It was a punchy track, and the first single off the album, “The Battle of Mansfield.” Although upbeat and catchy, the content matter is really anything but. “It’s about Tony Mansfield,” Lawrence told me, “He became quite reclusive, especially in later life, because of the pressure to create and perform which really resonated with us as a band. As artists we’re creating to express ourselves, but there’s always that pressure to monetize our hobbies and passions, and while that would be amazing, with that comes the pressure to conform and make your expressions of self ‘socially marketable’.”
| Upcoming Shows 09/05/2025 – Manchester Rebellion 13/06/2025 – Album Launch @ Fuel the Music, Manchester 14/06/2025 – The Grove, Nottingham |
For sure the “New Muzik” influence shines through heavily in the band’s musical style.
Very ethereal synth heavy melodies, backed by punchy drum machine beats really pull the listener into that 80’s almost trance inducing fugue state, and the anthemic yet dynamic vocal harmonies over synth rock create a distinct, but instantly recognisable sound. Indeed this quasi-political undercurrent shines through in a lot of the band’s work, tackling themes of inequality, isolation and loneliness, not only as individuals but in a society with personal insights; as well as in their D.I.Y approach to recording and releasing their work.
I was also treated to a sample of what comes next after “Novus Ordo” The next single the band is planning to release across all their platforms is the very frankly named “Timezone Wanker.” In Lawrence’s words the song is “About how corporate executives and major celebrities have passed the buck of responsibility for pollution to the public. They waste resources and supplies, polluting using private jets to avoid the smallest inconveniences, and yet somehow we’re at fault because sometimes we forget to separate the recycling.”
ChyrsalidHomo are a band who obviously love what they do, and are going from strength to strength with every single and album they release. I for one look forward to hearing what comes next, and will certainly be attending the album launch for “Novus Ordo” on Friday June 13th at Fuel the Music in Manchester.
Grimm Writes 
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