The Bluetones Surrender

The music industry is a very fickle business. Ten years ago (yes it was that long), young band The Bluetones stormed onto the scene with a number one debut album and it looked as though the stage was set for them to take a seat at the top table of British music. With many fans indifferent to The Stone Roses' Second Coming, some viewed them as heirs to their jangly throne. The years passed and things didn't go exactly as planned. But they're still around, and yes, they are still releasing records.

Despite their new self titled record being hailed from some quarters as a (slight) return to form, this year, especially, has been tough. The Skinny caught up with frontman Mark Morriss to find out exactly why. "The album had a difficult birth. We were scrapping around for budgets, didn't have a proper studio and were recording it around in each others' houses. We weren't even allowed to set up the drums until the last couple of weeks. But that all galvanised it, brought us closer together. If we were in it for the money we could've walked away ages ago!"

Their not so well received predecessor to the eponymous new LP, Luxembourg, had a more jagged, punkier sound. With this record they seem to have returned to their roots. Morriss recognises the "stark difference" and acknowledges that the return of the producer of their first two albums, Hugh Jones, may have helped set the wheels in motion. He also cites a retrogressive change in his musical influences. "I think I was listening to more of the same stuff as when it all kicked off. West Coast late 60s bands like Buffalo Springfield and Love, classics and standards really. But that doesn't replicate itself onto a record, it's more the atmosphere created through that."

Whilst fortune may have faded, their fan base has remained loyal throughout. This fact is something clearly appreciated: "We're lucky to inspire a sense of loyalty in people. At the same time we don't want to reflect on past glories. We're often judged unfairly on that and in the past we cut 'Slight Return' and the like from our set." Surely rock n' roll suicide?? "We got a bit grumpy and more caught up in it a few years ago. But we know we have to embrace it. After all, it's nobody else's song. Give the people what they want!"

Which will certainly be music to Scottish Bluetonics' ears come the end of January. The band plays Cabaret Voltaire, The Tunnels in Aberdeen and Glasgow's ABC in the latest Scottish leg of their "never ending tour."

"We can't wait! We supported The Beautiful South a few years back in an arena tour, places like the SECC, and it just wasn't the same. It's like being on the other side of a dual carriageway. I feel like a rabbit in the headlights. I enjoy sharing the same stinking air as the audience, that's what it's all about."

So boys and girls. Old fans and new. Be sure to don your smelliest underwear and dodge the toothbrush on those dates. Give Mark and the lads what they want, eh?