Essex is the newest creation from the founding members of Hail the Unknown: Jeremy Harris and Kevin Betts. Having spent a year together in their efforts to pursue their musical career, tension formed and drove the band apart. Rather than try to resurrect the now defunct HTU, the two looked to their roots as musicians and knew that the show must go on. Essex. Now accompanied by drummer and good friend, Don Nodal, this new creation is continually advancing in its goals to achieve a name for itself.

The music speaks for itself. Essex is known for their quite uncommon sound, especially for the area. You will see the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) at nearly every show of theirs, resting on a guitar amp or waving from a microphone -a symbol of the influence of the British music scene found in their music. Frequently Jeremy and Kevin partake in their age-old conversation that usually begins, "Dude, we've got to move to Britain!"

An apparent influence on their music is the band MUSE, as they are enjoyed by all the members, but the true genius of the music comes from the converging tastes of each member. Lead vocalist, pianist, and rhythm guitarist Jeremy Harris has been playing music all of his life. It started with Elvis and the Beatles. Performing California Raisins songs was his specialty. However, as time progressed, so did his passion for performance. Lead guitarist and vocalist Kevin Betts was brought into the music scene by bands like P.O.D. and Project 86, and now bands like August Burns Red and Thrice, tearing up the stage with hard and loud guitar riffs. Though everyone swears he is deaf, you will always catch him turning up his amp, little by little.

The newest member Don, has been playing drums for nearly 20 years and grew up listening to bands like Cheap Trick, Queen, Elvis, Chris Cornell, and the Rolling Stones. Blessed with great versatility, he adds great dynamics to the sound.

Taking inspiration from bands like The Beatles, Collective Soul, and Coldplay, you've got to see the new rock created by this band. Epic hard rock meets beautiful piano. Clean cut harmonies meet messy guitar screams. Queen meets death metal. You will find the crazy, yet amazing combinations of different styles of music fantastic, and not worth missing. Essex is the new sound of rock. No doubt.