With catchy, credible pop-rock songs and an unforgettable band name, this Welsh band will most definitely stay in your head. Nats Spada speaks to frontman Neil Starr about naked dips, Welsh babes and recording their debut album in Los Angeles.
XYZ: Your self-titled debut album has just been released – how does it feel to finally have it out there?
Neil: It’s a mixture of excitement, nerves and relief. We recorded it so long ago that we have been itching for people to hear it and now it’s finally out, it’s amazing!
Why did you choose to record the album in Los Angeles with fellow Welshman and Lost Prophets bassist, Stuart Richardson?
I have known Stuart for many years; before he was in Lost Prophets he was an engineer in a studio in my hometown of Caerphilly. He used to demo a lot of my old bands songs and stopped when he joined Lost Prophets but he always had a desire to get back into it. One day when we were both in Amsterdam, steaming drunk, he was like, “Come to L.A. and record with me!” and we were like, “Yeah that’s an amazing idea!” We didn’t think it would happen but then a month later it was on and we ended up doing it!
When you weren’t in the studio recording the album, what did you get up to in L.A.?
We literally had two days off the whole month we were there and one of those was Thanksgiving so everything was shut! We ended up driving to Santa Monica Beach and hung out there for a while. On the way home we got lost and ended up in Compton, which is one of the most dangerous suburban areas in L.A. All of the stereotypes are true, gangs on corners, cars with hydraulics – we saw it all…
You’re heading down to Brighton in December, are there any plans to go for a naked dip in the sea?
Trust me, the last thing you want to see is me naked! Ryan (guitar) will probably end up in there though if he has enough Jagermeister!
What has been the band’s standout moment of 2008?
I think playing the Reading and Leeds Festival was our moment of the year. Having been there as a fan for so many years and then finally being able to play was incredible!
Name your favourite track of 2008.
Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon.
Charlotte Church or Katherine Jenkins?
Katherine Jenkins, I think my mum would prefer her!
ATTACK! ATTACK!’s self-titled debut album is out now.
www.myspace.com/attackattackband
Words by Nats Spada, December 2008
