Sculpture Magazine

We definitely don't consider ourselves a "prog" band anymore (Prog is a dirty word on our side of the pond, but it has given us some slices of genius.) When we started out as a band of pre-teen whippersnappers, prog- rock gave us a world in which to submerse ourselves, we literally lived between the lengthy four walls of both sides of "In the court of the Crimson King" as well as other daring LP's such as Genesis' "Trick of the Tail" and Yes' "Close to the edge". But all that was over 10 years ago and I must confess that I haven't gone near an album with over indulgent artwork and a maximum of 5 tracks for well over 3 years now, but that probably helps to explain the "whiff" that some reviewer couldn't help sniffing. 

To describe our sound, I'd say that each song has its own laws and codes of conduct; our job is to try doing what's right for each song, make sure it follows the influences from which it is inspired in an exciting and apt fashion. It's a hard question "describe your sound", I don't think we particularly have a "sound", I just think we're hell bent on never repeating ourselves.  

My boat was flying several times last night... firstly I saw an exciting math/disco/punk band called "Foals" (www.myspace.com/foals) They reminded me of Chk Chk Chk, but more edgy and their drummer's incredible. Then I had a Thai green curry, it was really spicy and made my face look like a red balloon, very delicious in spite of the blushing though. And finally I went home and listened to ABC's Lexicon of Love, Trevor Horn's production is unbelievable. It’s very easy to call that album cheesy, because it is, but there are great songs on it, and every single sound stands out, care has been put into everything. The way forward for our next album me thinks.  

Nothing could replace "Maille" mustard condiment, its holy, and untouchable, in fact we don't even utter its name in the studio, it’s too profound. When someone slips up and says over the dinner table "Could you pass us the Maille...." a hushed silence spreads and they get taken outside for a flogging.  Maybe when we come back from America we'll all be eating peanut butter and jelly......so the mustard days may well be numbered. 

It definitely is not totally profound, its Justin Timberlake lording it up with other famous stars and starlet's......why not I suppose, and it is interesting to watch, it kicks the skinny ass off Sophie Ellis-Bexter's new video. Perving on Miss Johansson..........No comment. 

No it's never arisen as an issue between the 5 of us, the only time when its felt noticeable has been when nosy journalists come along and ask all their questions to the father and son and ignore the remaining 3 of us.......very unfair I think, but we're over that now. It's easy to see why they might get more media attention, we are one of the only bands to have a father and son in it, (apart from Spirit, Randy California's dad was their drummer).  

We are all extremely excited about it, we are not very well travelled in America, so it will be amazing to see it all, and see what you people think of our songs. I think we all intend to live it up a bit. Lots of parties please........

On a more serious note: Loads of younger kids want to come see us but I think lots of our gigs are over 21 or over 18.....which is really annoying. What can we do about it.....? 

I'd like to watch LCD Soundsystem, Chk Chk Chk, Band of Horses....lots of stuff really, I think we'll go and see whatever's around.

Couple of really good books, change of boxer shorts, change of socks.....that's all. 

We're quite new to the world of blogging, ones that I've stumbled across that have been really good are Fluo kids (they're really popular I think) and skull juice, they put up really good music. I don't know of many bands who do blogs, although Grizzly Bear's blog is brilliant. 

Festivals are great, very smelly and debauched affairs. No one ever showers and all the loo paper seems to disappear within the first few hours of arriving at one, so yeah I think they're fantastic. There are always interesting bands to discover too.....and something amazing and unforgettable always happens. Are we attending any? I don't think we've got many booked this year, but we might all pop down to Glastonbury if we can get tickets. 

Sadly we can't do those nights anymore, the neighbours were being horrible and complaining, and we eventually got given a noise abatement order, which basically means if we create a noise above the level of a pin dropping, we get fined £20,000. Awful shame, but if we did happen to shake off the abatement then you would be our guests of honour.... 

Erm......pomegranate 

(Thanks for asking good questions).