Lins Honeyman asks what's so super about SUPERHERO?

Superhero

On first glance the cover of Superhero's new EP looks like yet another glossy advertisement for the latest designer vitamin pill. However, the Glasgow-based rock band have other ideas as manager Bruce Macauley explains: "People are looking for all sorts of pick-me-ups - vitamin pills, drugs and more serious stuff. Our music's about God's love so this time the promises on the bottle are true." Recorded at Glasgow's prestigious Cava Studios, the independently-released 'Pick Me Up' showcases the talents of vocalist Tim Cheshire, guitarists Noel Wensley and Peter Morrison with Gordon Blackler and John Gallagher on bass and drums respectively.
Having recently toured with American band Skillet, Superhero have had ample opportunity to promote the message of God's love through their music. John Gallagher tells of how this came about: "Through contacts we ended up getting a support slot with Skillet and it's really opened doors for us. God's been in it so much - we've done nothing to warrant it."
Having been formed only a year ago, Superhero

portray a mature yet energetic sound which has already appealed to many. "It's rock, it's full-on and you can jump around to it and at the same time we're praising God," says John, "I think people who aren't saved can say there's something there." Lead singer Tim echoes that feeling: "I've had people from my work come along to our gigs and say, 'You really are saying something through your lyrics.'"
The power of the lyrics are helped by the fact that they are straightforward and not over-complicated. "People in Glasgow are really down to earth," says Tim, "and the attitude is that if you've got something to say, then say it. We're very straightforward people."
Aside from their recent tour and the launch of 'Pick Me Up', the band are heavily involved in their local church and see this as an essential part of serving God. "Tim is the youth and student pastor of our church, Covenant Life, and our involvement with youth is just an extension of how we're living our lives," explains Bruce. "We're also putting on a multi-media event for teenagers called Heaven every two months where we bring bands like Fono up to Glasgow - so it's not just about Superhero!" Their commitment and enthusiasm is clear and each member is committed to serving God. "There is no such thing as a nominal Christian in Superhero and we're totally open to what God wants us to do."

So what plans do Superhero have for the future? "We're hopefully looking for a recording contract," Bruce reveals, 'and we would like to make festival contacts and continue building on our base of supporters. We'd also like to get into America - we hear they're really excited about what's happening with Christian music in Britain."

Guitarist Noel Wensley has the final word: "If God's going to be in you and what you're doing, he's going to be in your music. It's the Holy Spirit that's behind it."