The Spitfires brought their Standdown Tour to Edinburgh's Citrus Club last month. Support on the night came from Glasgow's very own Holy Pistol Club who brought with them their anthemic indie rock and roll. The Spitfires meanwhile played with a confidence and swagger that proves all too irresistible, the set itself was a mix of the old stuff and some mind-blowing new stuff that is expected to be on their debut studio album, out next year.
In this blog feature we catch up with Spitfires frontman Billy to chat about the debut album, the tour and some other stuff as well. We also give the Citrus Club show a review as well.
Enjoy!
PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
Hi Billy, thanks for chatting to me. You are currently in the middle of a nationwide tour, how is it going and how has the reaction been?
Billy: "It's been going great. The band have really gelled with these last few gigs and the reaction from the audiences has been brilliant."
Lots of bands highlight Scottish audiences as some of the best in the world. What did you think of your Edinburgh and Glasgow shows over the weekend?
Billy: "Scottish crowds are very passionate about music I think - they don't just like something, they love it. And Glasgow was a fantastic example of that for us. A very enjoyable weekend for all involved."
You also have played a show supporting The Specials quite recently. I know that you are a big fan of the band so how was it supporting them?
Billy: "That was brilliant for me as The Specials are one of my favourite bands of all time."
I've also heard that there is an album on the way. How is this coming along?
Billy: "The album is coming on nicely. We're about 3/4 finished at the moment."
What can the fans be expecting from the album?
Billy: "I don't think anyone is going to expect what the album is going to sound like - it's definitely a progression from anything we've done before."
What does the rest of the year hold for The Spitfires?
Billy: "We're touring right through till the end of December and finishing off the album in between."
When can we expect you back gigging in Scotland?
Billy: "Hopefully be back early next year!"
Final question for this part of the interview - who would be in your dream supergroup?
Billy: "The Small Faces are my dream supergroup!"
PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND
Favourite Beatle?
Billy: "Lennon."
Favourite band or singer?
Billy: "The Jam."
Favourite new band or singer?
Billy: "New Street Adventure."
Favourite song?
Billy: "At the moment, Gil Scott-Heron - The Needle's Eye."
Favourite album?
Billy: "All Mod Cons."
Dream collaboration?
Billy: "George Martin."
Vinyl, CD or download?
Billy: "Vinyl."
When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?
Billy: "The Clash - Clash City Rockers."
Style icon?
Billy: "Steve Marriott."
Favourite film?
Billy: "A Clockwork Orange."
Favourite TV show?
Billy: "Peaky Blinders."
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Billy: "I hope they never make a film about my life."
Favourite food?
Billy: "Indian."
Football team?
Billy: "The Style Council."
PART 3 - THE REVIEW
The Spitfires brought their Standdown Tour to Scotland just last month. First up was the Citrus Club in Edinburgh on a Saturday night.
Support was home-grown talent Holy Pistol Club who ripped through an eight song set with a certain confidence and Oasis-esque swagger. Set opener "Give Me Your Hands" was nothing short of magnificent and great to witness live, as was the superb "Get Off Your Boots". Despite some pretty extreme sound problems towards the end of the set and a less than lively crowd the Holy Pistol Club gave a good show which showcased their natural talent at what they do.
The Spitfires then took their places on the stage and went off with a bang with "From Cradle To Grave!". Despite being a brand new song it certainly got everyone in the mood for more mod-based punk rock and roll which The Spitfires do so well. "Tell Me" took things to an all new level and with Billy and Sam's shout of "now!" they blistered through, quite possibly, one of the best punk tunes of recent years with a menacing proficiency. The set continued in this vein - the full on, in your face,rock and roll approach with tracks including "2014", recent single "I'm Holdin' On", "Spark To Start" and the encore of "Escape Me".
The band also showcased a different side to their sound with the much slower "Spoke Too Soon", which features a bass line that could rival the one from "My Generation" or "Town Called Malice".
Throughout the night Billy showed all the signs of a natural born frontman and guitar player; he had the coolness of Paul Weller, combined with the mannerisms of Wilko Johnson, combined with the kicks and jumps of Miles Kane. Bassist Sam Long was much more restrained but still retained that coolness and confidence that signifies The Spitfires and drummer Matt Johnson was nothing less than exceptional with a style that come alternate between punk, rock and roll and ska with ease. A special mention must also go to the new addition to the band - keys player Chris Chanell who brings a whole new aspect to the sound and will be sure to add a unique twist to the upcoming debut album.
This band are definitely ones to watch in 2015!
Holy Pistol Club Setlist
Give Me Your Hands
Hornblower
Pray For The Stars
Closer
Get Your Boots Off
Big Bad World
By Your Side
Shake It
The Spitfires Setlist
From Cradle To Grave!
Tell Me
Disciples
Words To Say
2014
Relapse
Stand Down
Spoke Too Soon
I'm Holdin' On
4am
Spark To Start
Escape Me
Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Spitfires and the Holy Pistol Club! Be sure to check out our previous feature on Jeye T!
Check out The Spitfires here - https://www.facebook.com/TheSpitfiresUk
Check out Holy Pistol Club here - https://www.facebook.com/holypistolclubmusic
Be sure to like our Facebook page at the following link to keep up to date with all future blog features - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
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