They began as an all male four piece in 2003 before becoming female fronted in 2008. Reformed in 2009 as Orpheum (orpheum.co).
Originally formed in November 2003, four students came together, including original vocalist Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andrew Thomson and Tom Peacock, to create The Pseudo Philosophers.
The band began experimenting with different styles to induce a somewhat unique sound, which culminated in the band's tentative first album, under the original line-up; Alan (vocalist 2003-2005), Finlay (2003-present), Andy (2003-present) and Tom (2003-2008). The songs produced had an alternative progressive rock feel, yet showed aspects of a medieval darkwave concoction with overall experimental ideas.
To test out their sound on the public, they released their first EP in 2004, featuring the best selection from the album. The EP received a mixture of reviews, with reviewers expressing how different the sound was.
"Mogolian Death Worm would be a hit were it not with a title like THAT and 'Catherine Howard' is the best song Pink Floyd or Yes never wrote." "A professional production could make these stand with the best of their ilk."
Alan "Dukester" Hillsden - "The Dukester" Reviews.
On their path to promote themselves, the band gigged in the likes of Brighton, Reading, Surrey and Central London, picking up some fans of their music and diversity along the way.
Their first album was created within the original line-up, only reaching completion at the end of 2005 when original vocalist Alan Stead parted ways with the band. It never saw its release to the public. Follow Alan with the band Kobayashi.
In the break of 2006, Finlay, Tom and Andy reformed the band with the inclusion of Rachael Dalimore on the keyboard, however as situations were, it was not meant to be for the keyboardist. Soon after, the band further progressed their music with the inclusion of Sam Peacock on the bass guitar, resulting in the creation of a disturbing combination of two sets of brothers, Tom and Sam, and the branded "Brothers Grim" Finlay and Andy.
In June 2006 they released their EP "Novus Orsa", expressing the beginning of the gothic progressive metal music that they had wanted to create and had a passion for. The EP was featured in local magazines, such as an experimental new magazine "A.R.S.E", which attracted even more attention.
"The band are seeking individuality in a increasingly conformist and grey world, so they should be saluted for that."
Stuart Moses - Hard Wired
For the EP release gig in London, the band worked alongside a female vocalist; Rowena, experimenting with the inclusion of female vocals in their existing songs.
In October 2006, a new female vocalist joined the fold; Vyxen. Performing with the band on two occasions during the end of 2006.
As the year came to an end, the Pseudos went on to play The Underworld in Camden, London, for a special Christmas Glam Slam show; co-hosted by Total Rock, with the traditional rockers, HeadRush, Rollin Thunder, Vytl Syne and Firestorm. A momentous night for all, with fans coming from as far away as Scotland to see the show. An interview from the night by 'Rock London' can be found online. At this point, the radio station Total Rock were the first to play the band's music on the radio, along with the American radio station, Hard Rock Radio. The bands' music began to be heard on the radio around the world, soon followed by underground radio stations in countries such as the Netherlands.
As 2007 appeared, the band's fan base continued to grow. The hits on their myspace page and website started increasing at a faster rate. Fans from countries such as Denmark, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Canada and America came forward to hear more and interests began to grow. New relationships were formed with other bands, such as the female fronted gothic rock band from Italy, The LoveCrave.
As the year continued, the band became friends with the London gothic rock band, The Faces of Sarah. A band who had influenced them for many years. They later performed together on several occasions at venues such as The Ruskin Arms and The Purple Turtle in London.
In July 2007, they were the featured band of the month on Twisted-Noise.co.uk, run by alternative music lovers. This included having their second interview to date, which can be found online.
In the break of 2008, the band saw the departure of Sam on the bass and the arrival of Richard Williams to take his place. This however was not the only new addition to the band. In July 2008, the long awaited arrival for a female vocalist was over, as from across the shores, all the way from America, came Erin Johnson.
2009 saw a performance break for the band, as Tom Peacock and Richard Williams parted ways with the band to embrace other outlets in life; seeing Richard join a Metallica tribute band and Tom settling down to start a family. The remaining members Finlay, Andy and Erin started work on completing their album and aquired the great talent of their keyboard player, Martine Martin and a new bassist, Matt Brewster.
As 2009 continued, The Pseudo Philosophers decided that a new start should bring a new name, so carrying on the legacy of the band by using music that Finlay, Andy and Erin had written and people had come to know, they changed their name to Orpheum.
Head over to www.orpheum.co to join The Pseudo members bring about new beginnings!
The Pseudo Philosophers EP
(Released 2004)
1. Mongolian Death Worm
2. A Bundle of Neurosis
3. Catherine Howard
4. Apprehension at Dawn
"Mongolian Death Worm"
Music written by Alan Stead © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"A Bundle of Neurosis"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Catherine Howard"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Apprehension at Dawn"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Novus Orsa EP
(Released 2006)
1. Hatred in my Soul
2. And the Deed is Done
3. Misinterpretation of a Common Translation
4. Spirit (EP version)
5. Empathy
"Hatred in my Soul"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Alan Stead © 2005
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson, Tom Peacock, Sam Peacock
Lyrics written by: Tom Peacock © 2005
"And the Deed is Done"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Alan Stead © 2005
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson, Tom Peacock, Sam Peacock
Lyrics written by: Alan Stead © 2005
"Misinterpretation of a Common Translation"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2006
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson, Tom Peacock, Sam Peacock
Lyrics written by: Tom Peacock, Finlay Thomson © 2006
"Spirit" (EP version)
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2006
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson, Tom Peacock, Sam Peacock
Lyrics written by: Tom Peacock © 2006
"Empathy"
Music written by: Andy Thomson, Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2005
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson, Tom Peacock
The Pseudo Philosophers Album
(2005)
1. Pseudo Philosophers
2. Mongolian Death Worm
3. A Bundle of Neurosis
4. Same Old Shit, Different Day
5. Without You
10. Purple Snow
"Pseudo Philosophers"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Mongolian Death Worm"
Music written by Alan Stead © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"A Bundle of Neurosis"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Same Old Shit, Different Day"
Music written by Alan Stead © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Without You"
Music written by Alan Stead © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"By the Side of the Road"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson© 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Curse of my Wandering"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Catherine Howard"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
"Apprehension at Dawn"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Purple Snow"
Music written by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2003
Recorded by Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
Lyrics written by Alan Stead © 2003
Untitled Album
(2009)
1. The Healing Process
2. Master of Imagination
3. Misinterpretation of a Common Translation
4. Hatred in my Soul
5. BioMelkor
6. And the Deed is Done
7. Spirit
8. Empathy
9. Treason
10. Eternal Obsession
"The Healing Process"
Music written by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2007
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Master of Imagination"
Music written by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2007
Recorded by Erin Johnson, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Misinterpretation of a Common Translation"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2006
"Hatred in my Soul"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Alan Stead © 2005
Recorded by Erin Johnson, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"BioMelkor"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2007
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"And the Deed is Done"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Alan Stead © 2005
Lyrics by: Alan Stead © 2005
"Spirit"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2006
Recorded by Erin Johnson, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Empathy"
Music written by: Andy Thomson, Alan Stead, Finlay Thomson © 2005
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Treason"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2006
Recorded by Erin Johnson, Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
"Eternal Obsession"
Music written by: Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson © 2007
Recorded by Finlay Thomson, Andy Thomson
