Category | Arts & Living

It’s electric: Getting in touch with the next big rock band

Published on October 7, 2008 by The Sentinel

     Who is Electric Touch? Some people may not know, but pretty soon
everyone will recognize the name. Electric Touch is an indie punk rock
band that consists of four members: lead singer Shane Lawlor, guitarist
Christopher Leigh, drummer Louis Messina, Jr. and bassist Ross Dubois.

    The band got its start when lead singer Shane Lawlor moved to Austin, Texas, where they currently reside. Originally from Nottingham, England, Lawlor came to America after falling in love with an American girl.  

     The relationship ended but Lawlor decided to stay in Texas and a year later he met Christopher Leigh. Soon, Leigh’s twin brother, joined the band as the drummer. “After our second session I realized I needed to stop everything else I was doing in my life and pursue this band full time,” said Messina. “It was the first time I could actually listen to one of my songs and have total confidence in what I was doing.”

    Although the band formed less than a year ago, they have the ability to establish an instant connection. After seeing them play, many listeners went out and bought their album. What makes Electric Touch worth the hype is their ingenuity.

    “We’re not flashy. There are no drum solos. It’s all about the music and the songs,” said Messina. 

    Modesty is another thing these guys know well. According to Messina,  “We aren’t rock stars yet. We rely on Internet marketing [such as MySpace] to get ourselves out there. The publicity from music festivals helped us get our start.”

    Electric Touch has played a number of college campuses across the country. A show at Villanova University garnered the band a rave review.    

    “Electric Touch’s self-titled debut album had been released only about two weeks earlier, but it looked as though the band members have been on stage for decades, flaunting the charisma and the swagger that would make even the best bands jealous,” wrote “The Villanovan.”

    When asked which city the band enjoys playing most, Messina, said, “Houston”. The band actually had a chance to play in Houston after Hurricane Ike. Messina, described the show as “scary” but added, “There was lots of support from fans. People knew the words to our songs.” For a relatively new band, fan support is vital. The band members agree that they are “all about making the audience happy.”

    “We get to play to people from around the world. Everyone is really nice,” said Messina, Jr.

    “When people come to see us play, we want them to leave their troubles at the door,” said lead singer Lawlor. “Their worries will still be there tomorrow, but for right now, let’s get together and have a good time.”

    Their debut album does just that. It has something for everyone. The title track, “Love is in our hearts” is an anthem. The song grabs listeners with its idealistic lyrics, British pop vibe, raw blues taunt and melodic message of hope.

    “It’s about harmony; it’s about the light at the end of the tunnel; it’s about how we can make it if we show a little love,” said Lawlor.    

        Currently, the band is in the studio working on their next album. They just wrapped up a tour with bands Airborne Toxic and The Fratellis. For more about the band check out their Web site, www.electrictouchmusic.com , or their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/electrictouch .