How long have you been together and how did you start the band

We formed in the summer of 2006 from the ashes of a couple of London-based bands that had split around the same time. We were aware of each other and made contact with a view to putting something new together. We spent a few weeks writing some songs and drinking, getting to know one another properly, then booked some shows and hit the road.

What are the band member’s names and what are their roles

Tommy Gleeson (Vocals/Guitars) Toshi Ogawa (Bass) Mark Verney (Lead Guitars). The drum stool is currently vacant after our good friend and drummer of the last 4 years had to leave the band for personal reasons.

So who are your main influences?

We all grew up against the backdrop of Grunge, with bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam flying high. We listen to a much wider range of stuff between us though, from early Punk through to Hardcore and Metal, Jazz, Blues, Psychedelia, Glam…The list is endless.

Which other bands do you admire and why.

I admire bands that burn bright for maybe 4 or 5 records, then split before they start to suck and never come back. It’s sad to see people you used to idolize pissing on their legacy with cash cow reunion ‘hits’ tours. I also admire any new band that makes the effort to learn a bit about this business and go into it with their eyes open.  There are some guys out there who are totally self-sufficient who have been very clever about the way they’ve structured themselves and I think that deserves a lot of respect.

Is there any other band or individual that you would like to work with?

I’d like to work with Brendan O’ Brien who has produced a lot of my favourite albums down the years. I’d also like to tour with Fighting With Wire as I think they’re a kick-ass band.

What is your favourite gig that you have played.

Right now I’d be happy to play any gig as we’ve been off the road for way too long. The most fun gig for us to date was probably Download 08. We like the bigger stages and the festival crowds who could savage you in an instant if they wished. It’s fun to be the underdog. It makes for an electric experience.

Where do you see yourselves, career wise, this time next year.

With the new album in the can and sounding the way it does my hope is that we’ll have released worldwide and will be touring in support of it. We opened a lot of doors and made good ground with the first record, but I think this one is strong enough to really kick things up to the next level. We’ve been pushing the same boulder up the hill for a while now and It’s time to watch the fucker go over the edge of the cliffs and into the ocean below.

What is the maddest thing you have ever done

Probably dropping out of school at 16 with no qualifications and dedicating everything to being in a band. There are times when this job makes normal life completely impossible and there’s absolutely no plan b for me. Keeps me on my toes though.

Are there any countries you would like to tour in and why?

I’ve always wanted to tour America properly. Just get in a van and go! It’s the ultimate for any band to take to those long roads and try to crack that one. There’s also South America, Asia and parts of Europe I’ve never seen but would love to experience in the context of a touring rock band.

If you could swap places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

My fiancé, so I could figure out how her mind works and beat her at her  own game.

If you could never play music again, what do you think you would do with your life?

I would be ruined.

If you were a superhero what would your name be and what special powers would you have?

I’ll go for The Invisible-Except-For-His-Ass Man. Not so much a super power as a good laugh. Just this little ass floating down the pavement…..

If you were arranging a one day festival, what would be your dream line up?

My Chemical Romance
Your Demise
Our Lady Peace

We’d headline, obviously.