You released a single, Indie Love Song, on Valentine’s Day – was it written specifically to be released on that day or was it pure coincidence?
It was a little bit of both; we wanted to release it in February and it just worked out that Valentine’s Day fit in with the mood of the song. We’re closet new romantics, so when there’s no one else around we dig out our Visage and Flock of Seagulls records and dance around in front of full length mirrors.
You’ve got a new album coming out in March – was it easy to write/record?
It was actually quite difficult. The difficult sixth album! There was a lot going on, one guitarist left and we had to get a new one in. We had to finish touring the last album which went on a little bit too long and then with the world in the state it is there was studios closing down and bank managers trying to sell us geometry sets. It all got very surreal but once we figured out what was reality and fantasy we got it sorted. When we record we put everything into it so we were a bit drained at the end of the process. Having had a few weeks rest we’re fine again now.
Who were your main musical influences growing up?
Mostly bands from the North of England – The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Wedding Present, New Order. I guess Irish bands who were touring would have been an inspiration too, bands like A House and Blue in Heaven.
Which song do you wish you had written?
Autumn Almanac by The Kinks. I love the way it twists and turns, you never know where it’s heading. I’m totally familiar with the song but the direction and chord changes it makes still surprise me.
Have you got any advice for new bands starting off at the moment?
Write about what you know about. It’s so important to sing from the heart – if you have nothing to say become an instrumental outfit!
You’ve got a UK tour planned for later this year – do you enjoy playing live?
We do, especially in the UK, which is why we’re starting the tour there. In many ways this album began in Liverpool in 2010. That was the first show with the new guitarist, we didn’t know how it would go but it was a great trip. After that tour in 2010 we knew we were going to carry on and make more records.
What are you listening to at the moment?
There’s lots of great stuff in Ireland at the moment – we’re loving our label mates Slow Motion Heroes and Dead School, Squarehead and Land Lovers from Dublin. There’s tons of stuff, one good thing about the recession is that it seems to bring out the creative side of people.
Would you ever consider writing a musical or a concept album?
Yes, in fact most of our records have some sort of concept behind them. The last album was all based around being positive, this new one is held together by time. We’re very deep, no one knows it but we are the marianas trench of indie bands!
How do you feel about the support you get from your fans?
It’s amazing, the support we’ve gotten over the years has been unreal. Walking out on stage and the feeling of goodwill we get from the audience is really special. It makes all the hard work very worthwhile.
