▶ Tell us the interesting story behind the bands moniker.
When we formed everything happened quite quickly in terms of writing and recording so there was a 3 week period where we had the songs, but no name and as such couldn’t actually let anyone know we existed! Which was a slight problem. So we were racking our brains, going through that lame period where literally everything we saw became a potential band name: “the windows, table 342, bird flies past…” When Walter (guitar) called me up while he was chilling in his garden having a smoke. In the distance he could see what looked like fire coming off of a forest and the name was born.
▶ When did the band form and how long did it take to find the bands own sound?
We formed in July 2011. Jack (drums) and I have played together since we were 11 and 13 years old, was just really natural what with us being brothers. Walter and Liam (bass) had been jamming together through their teens in various bands around Aberdeen. The formation of this band was ridiculously quick as a result of the chemistry developed from previous musical projects. Before I joined the band they had been jamming together for a couple weeks and Walt had already booked recording time. I came home to visit from Edinburgh and they just happened to be practicing in Jacks room. I was intrigued by the sound and asked if they needed a singer. By Saturday we were in the studio and by Monday we had “best intentions” and “trial and error”. So yeah, it took about 3 days as a full band and a lot of experimentation in the studio to find the sound. In saying that, we are always moving forward and trying new things so are constantly changing, don’t like the idea of just settling on something stagnant or formulaic.
▶ What releases have you put out thus far, and which would be the one to listen to for the uninitiated?
We have released our Debut EP “Recovery” along with a double A-side for “Avalanche and Culture Shock” My favourite personally remains ‘Trial and Error’ so I would probably recommend that to anyone who hadn’t heard us before, it was the first song we wrote but it’s still what I enjoy playing the most live.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
It would have to be Snafu in Aberdeen on the 22nd of December last year. It was our first home town show in a few months, we didn’t go on until about 11 so the crowd were really buzzed and we were filming the gig for our first video. Something about it just clicked and everyone went totally nuts, which pushed us in a huge way. A song from the end we invited 4 people on stage and had a wee drinking competition, them vs the band. During the last song the stage was covered in booze, and everyone was sliding all over the place, was just epic!
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a Lowlight of the journey so far?
Highlight would be the Radio 1 live session we did a few months back. We were broadcast to just under a million listeners and none of us had experienced anything like it. All the tracks have swearing in them, so I was warned before STRICTLY NO SWEARING and that if I “forgot” someone would lose their job. The whole experience was exhilarating! A lowlight if I had to say would probably be the Inverness show we played on our first tour. It was the last night of the tour, we were all exhausted and due to some issues with transport it ended up costing us a ridiculous amount to get there to play. The “low-point” wasn’t the show itself but the journey home after as our violinist had an epileptic fit. Combined with all the other stresses from the night that was a pretty dark moment. We’d been worried about her all tour so it was a pretty awful experience. Saying that lowlights are few and far between, for most part its been one hell of a ride so far!
▶ What does ‘success’ mean to the band?
The idea of success to us isn’t some point to strive for, or a quantifiable sales target. We just want to enjoy every step, so when we here people in the crowd singing back lyrics, or we get some kind words after a set from a someone who truly dug it, or a message online that is Success. We have goals but so long as were still enjoying what we write and playing live the targets are secondary. It sounds cheesy but the reward for a good show is the opportunity to play again!
▶ You are in control of forming a 4 piece ‘supergroup’ – who is in it and what do they do?
I cant speak for the group but I would stick Jeff Buckley on guitar and vocals // John Frusciante (Chillies) on lead guitar // Roger Hodson (supertramp) on bass and keys and Mike Shrieve (Santana) on drums. I have no idea what that mix would create but i’d bet it would be something pretty unique.
▶ If you and 3 bands of your choosing were to do a world tour; who would the other 3 bands be? (Active or not)
At The Drive In // Manchester Orchestra // Pink Floyd
▶ What will be the 3 strangest things on your rider when you’re able to make any demand?
Ping Pong Table, 3 Mexicans in sombreros all with vihuelas playing ‘Africa’ by ToTo to Walt, and lastly a Wall of pick n mix, (like you would see at the cinema).
▶ Finally, in a climate saturated with bands vying for listener attention; why should the good old folks at home listen to you guys?
We play with heart, pushing toward a not so distant future where people are no longer confined by the arbitrary restrictions of “socially acceptable behavior”, or for that matter egocentric beliefs regarding identity through consumption of inanimate products, provided with meaning by faceless corporations (through brand names) who as a result perpetuate a culture with an over emphasis on the material and superficial. Through the act of spontaneous and honest expression itself, we hope to break down any illusions of separation and by extension alienation you might feel, revealing the truth that we are all, in fact, one…
