The Crookes : Interview
Sheffield band The Crookes hit Munich on Friday for the second time this year (they played to a sell-out crowd at the Atomic Cafe back in May). Noel Gallagher has praised their intelligent lyricism, Steve Lamacq helped catapult them to fame as one of their biggest fans and John McClure from Reverend and the Makers has referred to their songs as "musical genius". Rachel Preece caught up with the four-piece to reflect on a hugely successful 2011 as they look to a promising 2012.
How's the tour going so far? What has the European reception been like?
We love coming to Europe as the crowds always seem to be up for a good time. There is always a lot of dancing at our gigs but in Europe they always manage to outdo us in terms of energy, which is marvellous!
You all studied literature, which shows with your lyrics (it's a very coherent album) : have any authors particularly inspired you?
Authors like Alan Sillitoe, Jack Kerouac, Evelyn Waugh, Oscar Wilde and George Orwell are a few that spring to mind…
Sheffield's well-known for its music scene, what do you think of the scene right now?
The Sheffield scene is strong at the moment with bands like Hey Sholay, Mad Colours, Silent Film and Silent Film Project and Seize the Chair all making really good music which is unmistakably from Sheffield. And us of course!
Your first album Chasing After Ghosts has received critical acclaim, are you already working on the "difficult second album"?
Yes…we are halfway through recording the second album which will be called Hold Fast. The mood is a lot more upbeat and we are really excited about playing the new songs live.
Highlight of 2011?
The highlights of this year include going to Japan last month, releasing our debut album – finally! And we got to play loads of incredible shows on the continent. The Atomic Cafe in Munich and the Paradiso were insane!
What are your plans for 2012?
Next year we are looking forward to more touring, releasing the second album and the Olympics. We reckon we have an outside chance of making the Great Britain 4x4 100 metre relay team. Keep an eye out!
The Crookes are playing at Munich's Atomic Cafe on Friday 18 November, with support from Munich band Boy Android.Tickets available on the door for 20 Euros.
