Grimsby based garage rockers, The Brookes, caught up with us week. Following the announcement of their biggest gig to date, supporting The Brew at the Engine Shed, the Libertines influenced quartet released their second studio EP, 'Masquerade' of which features the title track, 'Masquerade', 'Fade Away' and 'Lipstick Stains'. Incorporating the sound of The Libertines and Oasis into one with the early Liam Gallagher style vocals from frontman Ben Keal and the revitalisation of British guitar music from Jamie, Elliot and Rob to great effect.
1. How's things been going for The Brookes since we last spoke?
Things are going great. Picked up a few quite big gigs to end the year on and we're in the process of planning a UK tour for March, April and May next year.
2. You've just released your new EP, 'Masquerade'. Tell us a little about this?
They're not our newest songs by far. We wrote them at the same time we wrote the Taking Over EP, but we still wanted to release them so we got them recorded with Sam Carlton, and we're dead pleased with it really.
Fade Away, is basically about that stage when you first meet a girl, and you're completely and utterly infatuated with her, however, you know that you shouldn't let yourself fall for her, and you're trying to 'Fade Away'. I quote from the song 'your eyes they tell a story, and they make my dreams seem boring', you just can't get enough of her, 'cause she's so exciting, but you don't want to let yourself fall. I see the lyrics in this song as some of the best I've come out with. Masquerade, is about having an argument with your girlfriend, and just wanting to make up with her basically. It's sort of about when you have a pathetic little argument, and you over-think it to fuck, thinking she's going to leave you. The title derives from a the line, 'you're changing like the weather, can't see through the masquerade', which is basically about when you over think so much and start thinking that she's just putting on a disguise. I've always liked this song, and it's a great one to play live. Lipstick Stains, is quite self explanatory really. It's obviously about a one night stand. 'My head's in a foreign place, I need to get away', is about when you wake up with them and don't have a clue where you are. It's a simple song really, which is also great to play live. The music to this song was actually written by a friend of mine, from my old band, called Ben Ayres. Credit to him for the music.
3. You're supporting The Brew at the Engine Shed next month. How excited are you for this and to be playing a venue that many huge artists have also played?
I can't believe it if I'm honest. We've been gigging like what, 6 months? and we're playing at the Engine Shed, supporting The Brew. It's one of my favourite venues that I've been to, and I just can't wait to get on that stage, it's surreal.
4. What's the feel around the band like at the moment? We imagine rather positive.
Yeah there's a really positive feeling going round at the minute. We're all very optimistic and just dead excited for whatever may happen next with us. Obviously there's a lot of stress going around also, but overall we're extremely happy with what we've achieved so far, and we can't wait to see what's round the corner.
5. What's next for The Brookes?
We've got these four big gigs coming up to end the year on, then as far as next year is concerned, there's going to be shit loads of touring, some singles, and a debut album. Hopefully, something big.
Big thanks to The Brookes for the interview.
Listen to the EP title track, 'Masquerade', via Youtube:
Listen to the rest of the EP via SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thebrookesmusic/sets/masquerade-ep
Follow The Brookes on Twitter: @TheBrookesUK
Like The Brookes on Facebook: /TheBrookesUK
Posted by Charlie Ireland.
RIFFED x