In 2009 when I believe Betty Pariso had just started, we were doing one off shows, usually about once a month as not many people knew who we were back then. Alot of the times to keep us busy, we’d put on our shows ourselves. I took these responsibilities myself on the 2nd of September 2009. I put on a show at the Fighting Cocks in Kingston with Maths and Throats. But I needed a local support to bring in more people, so looking on myspace I found this band called Kerouac, it said that these guys were from Kingston. So I thought they could bring a few people themselves, they were more than up for it and once it got to the show they admitted to me that they’re not from Kingston at all but from Southampton. After this show we then eventually played more shows with them and we kept in contact with them during their whole jaunt as a group
They were really sociable with us and we became friends with them as soon as we met them. Kerouac had a sound that no one will ever resemble, they were one of the most unique bands in the UK. They had an intensity that could not be overlooked filled with a very strong emotive presence. Without Kerouac, I wouldn’t be where I am in life, and that’s not an exaggeration at all.
Cold And Distant, Not Loving had a time and a place, and people will be looking back at this debut album with nostalgia and pride. Lyrics full of regret and unwavering beauty and being still poignant to this day. This and their short start stop rhythms and low down tuned riffs created the pathway to a truly unique band.
Speaking completely unbiasedly Thom Densons lyrics are a constant inspiration to me. Filled with illustrative and imaginative lyrics, they created great pictures in your subconscious. Created through fantastic metaphors and analogies. This is why their split with The Long Haul had three of the best songs they’ve ever written. Especially the song ‘Porcelain’, whilst I was travelling this split really got me through some hard and lonely times. Without seeming emotional, this song really makes me well up as you can hear it through Thom Denson’s breaking voice.
People who never met the guys really missed out on meeting four great people. Their music will be a constant reminder of what those heights of creative spirituality can be.
Mario Gambardella.
