More on: The Long Blondes

The Long Blondes are back with a new album 'Couples' on 7th April, with the first single 'Guilt' hitting stores on 24th March.

The Sheffield band are about to head out on a mammoth UK tour with their new, Erol Alkan-produced, material. Drummer Screech takes time out of rehearsals for a chat about their live act and his first ever stage-dive.

With Erol Alkan on board, will there be a dancier feel to "Couples"? If so, was that your original intention?
That’s certainly an element that Erol has brought out, especially with his background as a DJ. I think in general, our intentions with this album were to take all the elements of the first record that we liked, and push them to extremes. So the dance element is more dancier certainly, but at the same time we want the faster songs to be even faster and punkier.

What was inspiring you during the writing of your second album?
I think this time when writing we did a lot more writing together, so cheesy as it sounds, I think we kind of inspired each other. Because we'd been touring for such a long time, and also we've developed so much as musicians since we started, there was a real confidence and undertstanding between us all that really comes out in the songs. In that respect I think Erol was really important as well. We had such a great relationship with him in the studio that we were willing to try out things that he suggested and that lead us to pushing the songs in different directions that we previously we wouldn't have considered. I think when we set out we wanted to make a record that really reflects where we are now as a band, and I think we've achieved that.

Is it true you had a "couples wall" in your studio? Who are your favorite couples in history?
It is true yes. I think my favourite couple in history would have to be Britney Spears and K-Fed.

What can you tell us about what to expect on the album - will anything surprise us?
I hope so; we didn't just want to repeat the first record. Like I've said already we just wanted to try and push what we do as far as possible, and I think we've achieved that. I do think maybe a few people will be a bit taken aback by some of the tracks. Ultimately though, we're still try to achieve what we've always been trying to achieve - which is pop music with an edge. Hopefully that will still come across.

You've got a mammoth tour coming up. How will life on the road be for Long Blondes this time? Any luxury tour buses?
When we were doing our first album, Steve Mackey from Pulp described touring to us as 90% waiting around, 10% excitement, which is pretty spot on! The 10% that's exciting is always amazing though so I can't wait to get playing again. As for 'luxury tour bus' I think that's a bit of an oxymoron! We do what we can!

Has your approach to your live act changed since you were last touring?
I do think we've built up an unfair reputation, slightly through self-mythologising it has to be said, of not being able to play properly, which I think we're keen to counter this time. I mean we're still not Tortoise or anything, but there is certainly a real sense of musical development on this record that I hope will come across live. Due to the nature of the new songs there's going to be a lot less guitars and a bit more keyboards, and Kate is a bit more involved musically as well. We do still have the attitude live though that it's less about a perfect recreation of the songs and more about putting on a great show and giving off a certain energy and atmosphere, so hopefully we can still do that as well.

What's been the best/worst/strangest reaction from fans that you've met?
My favourite reaction ever was in Bologna in Italy. It was a really wet and horrible day, and the power kept cutting out in the venue and we were really worried it was going to be a disaster, but as soon as we got on stage the crowd was insane. When Kate announced that the next song as going to be 'Giddy Stratospheres' they all started clapping along like the start of the record, perfectly in time, it was ridiculous. It's the only time I've ever stage-dived, and as I was being carried to the back of the room someone shouted in my ear "you are so punk rock". For once, I actually felt I was! I did have to take my glasses off before I jumped in though, is that punk rock?

Which new bands have got you excited recently?
I've been really getting into a band called Dawn Weaver from Leeds. They're really new - they've only done a couple of gigs but I've had the privilege of being at both of them, and they were definitely the best gigs I've seen recently. Both gigs have been totally different but equally wonderful. The first time they sounded like Supertramp covering 'Graceland', the second time it was like the mice from Bagpuss duetting with a big pig doing Todd Rundergen covers. It was awesome.

Becky Reed

The Long Blondes Official Site