Mclusky.

MCLUSKY ... For shitlings who need a reference, the closest stab would be The Pixies on adrenaline. Literal comparisons are embarrassing; it screws everything into a pigeonhole that most have to then crawl out of. These guys are playing the days of their lives to ease the stress on their brows and it's not a braggin' rite. Indeed a dangerous band with teeth filed to a keen point. These three people have a fuckin' way with words and songwriting. By the vibe Mclusky emanates, one would find it a good idea to shut up and listen, because these are real gripes.

Why do the Welsh suck so bad?

Andy: Gamma Radiation from the Bristol Channel.

Is Mclusky a family name or something?

It's the name of a band. Or, alternatively, the name of the headmistress on a British children's TV show called Grange Hill. A local icon for local people.

Do you play cricket or belong to a lawn bowling club?

Yes. Jeremy Irons drives us to practice every day in his big gay hovercraft.

What about football?

If by football you mean high-impact Yankee-fat-man wrestling, then no. If you mean soccer, then no, but less no. Just "no."

What kinds of things did you do when you were a kid?

Have you seen Billy Elliot? Well, not that.

Did you attend private school or public school?

We all went to regular comprehensive schools or state schools as we would call them.

When did y'all start playing music?

I was 17, Jon 13, Mat 18 or 19.

Is this beginners' luck or did y'all play in bands before Mclusky?

Mat and Jon more so than me. I am a little shy. This is the first band I ever sang in, and it has been seven years now.

Do you guys watch a lot of movies? Are there movies in Wales?

Jon is the biggest movie fan in the band, and possibly the world. He likes any old shit, apart from really new shiny shitty shit. I have no idea what Mat watches and no desire to find out.

Andy, you are quite a brash fucker, while mates are very polite. How do they tolerate you?

Because I write most of the songs. In reality, I am a quiet non-lunatic.

Do you ever get into a war of words with people in the audience? Do you recall any particular moments when it got really tense?

Most people with pressing issues realize early on that we have the weight of a giant PA system and an occasionally compliant crowd behind us, and that tends to take the wind out of their sails. I can recall several occasions where it got beyond tense, so that is a reputation I loathe to encourage.

Favorite words used while cutting someone to pieces?

I find that having a script cheapens the experience. Keep it short and remember to enjoy yourself.

I get the feeling there is a pile of disdain towards the world of music cooped up inside. Mclusky is standing in the cross hairs of a paradox. Do you have tempting thoughts of morphing into a pop band and sipping the mild broth of the cash cow?

There is no temptation in this regard at all; although, I honestly regard the music we make as pop anyway. We'll never make major money from the whole deal, and I hope that never becomes the point.

The reason I bring this up is because it's been awhile since someone has stepped to the box packing some entertaining sense. Do you feel the power?

To hell with all that trap! Self-idolatry ain't my scene; I would rather concentrate on writing better songs. Besides, my girlfriend would swat me fuckless. There's no room in our flat for a rampant ego.

Day jobs? What are they?

I suppose when we get back from tour in early June I will look for some call center work again. I had a full-time job for four years, and I would fucking love to avoid that unpleasant situation in the future.

Are there any other hidden musical gems from Cardiff?

Jarcrew, who have just signed to Gut Records. Sammo Hung are getting there, slowly, as are the Martini Henry Rifles. There is a good band in the Bristol area, Ivory Springer. Other than that, I am struggling but smiling.

What's better, playing in America or Europe?

I really have no idea. Everywhere is better than Peterborough. France can suck pretty badly, too, as did LA. Considering the amount of shows we have done in the US 20--the reactions we have been getting are incredibly flattering. England, especially, took a little more work than that.

Are you fans of ethics or strategies? And why?

I'm an ethics kind of guy, and I like these questions. I see ethics as the fundamental building blocks of really good shit, if you must know.

Do you go to church?

Jon used to park his car in the church car park. They didn't like that, the Christians.

Are the parents proud?

They better be. They planned all this on a graph.