Syrup

Syrup is the band name used by by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Shaun Grech.

History

Syrup emerged as a collaboration between Shaun Grech and bassist Matthew Cuomo in 1997, both previously members of Abortive Sex Gauge (1993-1996), also composed of Malcolm Ciavola on drums and Ramon Mizzi (now filmmamker) on vocals, a band that delivered energetic blends of hardcore, punk and alternative.

In 1998, Matthew and Shaun recorded a four track EP called First Prescription with session musicians Toby Farrugia(today renowned Maltese DJ/Producer) on drums, and Alex Spiteri Gingell (of Spookey Monkey fame) on keyboards and programming. Toby joined the band on drums soon after, a partnership that lasted a number of of years and quite a few gigs. The band later went through a number of line-up changes. After Matthew's departure in 1999, the bass duties were left in the hands of Mark Anthony Vassallo (ex-Orbus Vitae), but the band did not gig over this period, and both Mark and Shaun left Malta.

Syrup reformed in late 2002 with Shaun on vocals and guitars, Jes Psaila (ex-Avatar) on guitars, Sergio Bellizzi (ex-Orbus Vitae) on drums, and after a stint on bass by Cliff Smith (at the time playing with Corkscrew), settled with Bobby Baldachino on bass (ex-Limestone Kick, joining the band in 2003. This line up saw the band's most prolific songwriting phase, a number of successful performances on TV and festivals, attracting alot of attention on the alternative scene. During this period, the band continued working on new songs intended for a full length album, that unfortunately never saw the light of day. In 2004, the band parted on account of personal commitments and other projects. Following Syrup, Shaun went on to become a successful and established artist. He currently resides in the UK.

Radio Airplay

In 2003 the band recorded and released their single Static H. It lodged at number one for several weeks on A3 FM.