But first, some context…
Greetings and welcome to the newest edition of Krakatoa’s blog where we talk music, bands and the alternative culture we all love and cherish. Today, we delve into Forest Fires, an alt-rock band from Aberdeen, Scotland who have been part of the grass roots music scene for years gracing us with their peeling guitars, poignant vocals and all set against a backdrop of subtle synthesizers that give their sound an iconic, unique flavor.
They’re a hard working, determined and highly motivated band, and with their debut album ‘Naked Ape’ turning three years old this July they have recently dropped a new single ‘Deadweight’, hinting that a new album is in the works.
The Interview
Most noteworthy was their appearance at Krakatoa’s mighty and epic event- Eruption! Battle of the Bands: The Grand Final. Here, they did not emerge as the final victors, but were no less downbeat about it than when they first found out they made it to the final. Enough teasing. let’s see what they had to say.
Krak: First of all, can you introduce yourselves?
Scott: I’m Scott, I sing and I play the guitar in Forest Fires.
Paul: I’m Paul, I play the guitar in Forest Fires.
Alan: My name is Allen and I play a synthesiser in Forest Fires.
Jack: I’m Jack and I play the Drums in Forest Fires.
Krak: Awesome! How did you guys get together to make Forest Fires?
Scott: Short version, Jack and I have been in forest fires for years and there have been some band member changes… Paul came in when we first began, and Alan came shortly after that.
Paul: Just a mutual love in Rock and roll. [cue laughter]
Krak: Because you just mentioned Rock and Roll, what kind of bands, icons and music genres do you relate to and why?
Alan: As a band, it’s kind of hard because, if you triangulate everybody’s influences, it’s all fairly dull, it’s like your Beatles, Radiohead and all that that everyone has listened to. We try and make things a bit more complex and fun, you guys are more into other types of stuff.
Paul: Yeah, we do enjoy a lot of instrumental music. Although we enjoy Rock, Rube and other classics are quite important.
Krak: How do you feel about being part of the Finals?
Jack: We didn’t really expect to or think we would but it’s a thrill to be here.
Alan: it’s really fun playing in a room full of people, especially at Krakatoa during Battle of the Bands. Our last two gigs here were the most fun we have done.
Krak: Thank you so much! That is amazing to hear.
Paul: It’s really cool because most “Battle of the Bands” [events] are kinda quite awkward of “let’s beat the other team!” but everyone is so nice…
Scott: It’s been an ethos of comradery here.
Krak: That is so wonderful to hear such lovely, lovely things: have you ever been to Krakatoa before? What do you like about it and why?
Scott: My favourite thing about Krakatoa is the Rhubarb Cider
All members: Yas! It is so good!
Scott: Yeah, been here a lot drinking, meeting my friends, seeing other bands.
Allen: Big shout out to the non-Alcoholic Budvar… I was driving along for this gig, and the previous gigs and drank a few of them. Yeah! Very good.
So there you have it. Not only do they showcase talent and a transgressive alt-rock sound, but they’re also very personable and generally down to earth bunch of lads.
Please do check them out if you’re curious; they’re worth a look. And we’ll see you in the next post. ;))
