ETERIA, the “four shadows” that some twenty years ago were all the rage in the clubs of Rome, have surely left a mark in the history of (Italian) underground rock. They were Invasione Rock Festival winners at the Uonna Club (1991), Special Guest opener at the 1991 Roman gig of the British band BREATHLESS and winners of the “Prove Live” show (Rome, 1992). Four years later, after a long introspective meditation, they founded the project SCREEN WIPERS.
From old line-up were veterans Dave Curley (vocals, bass) and Swan Frawley (guitar, vocals), joined in 1998 by Wiflo Cooper (drums).
In 1999 the band performed in numerous live appearances under the name PIN CODE. In Spring 2000, now finally called SCREEN WIPERS, they released their first mini-CD, “No U-Turn”. This was recorded at the ACME Studios (Rome) and included new songs and earlier tracks specifically revisited for the purpose.
From the Dark-New Wave sonorities of the early days, SCREEN WIPERS have now developed a more markedly raw sound, bordering at times on the Punk-Grunge, without however forgetting their past Psychedelic influences.
Despite their not exactly flawless instrumental technique, the trio have developed a signature sound of huge performance impact.
Their trademark sound somehow reminds of the inspiring atmospheres of bands such as the early CURE, JOY DIVISION and KILLING JOKE. It is built on minimal bass riffs, obsessive simple rhythms, guitars as high and sharp as wild glass splinters, all blended by a voice defined by many as similar to that of Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy
In January 2003, after several months of on stage collaboration, Max Corpora, former keyboards of the Roman group VERNICE, joined the band. His atmospheric sonorities, verging on Garage, helped boost the typical sound of the group’s live performances…
In November 2004 SCREEN WIPERS entered the studio once again to record 9 tracks included in the demos “Deux Croix” and “Demo 2005”. Like a purple-tinged nightmare, they anticipated the destiny: they were Max Corpora’s (RIP) last appearance with the band.
After a four years long deep crisis, the veteran trio has now come in a more acidic format, leaving melody aside to produce a rawer, more corrosive sound than ever…
