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Friday, December 29, 1995 Page:
Mere Mortals: Voted best original band
Mere Motals
Today at The Staircase; Pittston Plaza, Pittston
10 p.m. to 2 a.mInfo: 654-0300
Mortal fans voted for original sound
By ALAN K. STOUT
Times Leader Staff Writer
Receiving the third highest number of votes in “Sound Choice II” was the
Pittston-based “Mere Mortals,” who also earned the title “Best Original Band.”
Formed four years ago and consisting of Eddie Appnel, lead vocals, acoustic
guitar, Mark Kiesinger, bass; Pat Flynn, lead guitar, backing vocals; and
Billy Lieback, drums, vocals, Mere Mortals’ fresh original sound earned the
group more votes than an other act whose focus remains on original material.
“It just goes to show you that people really are listening and paying
attention,” said Lieback. “That’s the best things about it. Coming in third
place over-all was a fantastic feeling too.”
Despite the fact that original acts in Northeast PA have always had a
harder time drawing crowds than cover bands, Lieback says Mere Mortals never
considered going the cover route. And although softspoken and modest, he’s
also confident that the group’s material merits some attention.
“If people just come out and hear us once, they’ll keep coming,” he says,
“but they need that chance to hear us that one time. Everybody’s afraid of
things they don’t understand — (but) that’s true about everything — not only
music.”
After nearly a year-long hiatus, Mere Mortals began gigging again
throughout the region last March. The time off, says Lieback, was spent
writing, re-grouping, and experimenting with new sounds.
Judging by the poll results, it was time well spent.
“The time that we came back was a very ripe time to come back with original
music — because of everything that was happening with The Badlees,” he says.
“They just took it completely over the top. They made people take notice.”
Now, people are beginning to notice the Mere Mortals, and in January, fans
can hear their latest batch of original gems on a new album, set to be titled
“Grin.”
Lieback says the band thanks everyone who voted for the group, and that
fans should be plased with the new record.
“This album really captures our live sound,” he says. “That’s what we were
looking for when we went into the studio. The songs are moody pieces … it’s
nothing that’s going to change the world, but I think people will love it.”
Why the Mere Mortals?
“They’ve shown time and time again that they are the best. They come off
with the greatest music.”
— Sean Rebovich, Avoca
“I think their music is crisp and original and wonderful.”
— Cheryl King, Mountaintop
“I’ve seen a lot of original bands. This is just the most talented bunch of
guys with the best music I’ve heard in a long time.”
— Mike Sperazza, Hughestown