Britpop band The Bluetones have returned after 14-Year hiatus with a new EP, Drive Thru, and gigs in Dublin, Galway and Belfast. We asked front man Mark Morriss the BIG questions . . .
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This is the West London band's first new music since 2010, the first release on their own label, Brainhole Records, and the first part of a trilogy of EPs set to roll out over the next six to eight months.
The Bluetones play Opium, Dublin on 11 October, Roisin Dubh, Galway on 12 October and The Empire, Belfast on 13 October.
Formed in 1993, the band scored thirteen Top 40 singles and three Top 10 albums in the UK, including the single Slight Return.
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Over the years, The Bluetones have kept the same line-up, with Mark on vocals, Adam Devlin on guitar, Scott Morriss on bass, and Eds Chesters on drums.
"For the first time since we formed the music isn’t driven by an outside agenda, or a need to fill somebody else’s schedule," says Mark.
"It feels like the purest thing we’ve done since we were a signed band."
Speaking about Drive Thru, the lead single from the EP, Mark adds, "This song is about abandoning the past and embracing the unknown. It’s about not being tied down by other people’s perceptions of you and just going for it. Plus, it rocks."
Tell us three things about yourself . .
I am a very today person. I hate it when people are late. I am often late. I play squash twice a week.
How would you describe your music?
Guitar pop, with a mildly psychedelic edge.
Who are your musical inspirations?
That’s something that’s always changing, but for me 2024 has been the year of Steely Dan, and I fear their ornate and elaborate chord progressions may spill into our sound any day now (oh, goodie!!! - Ed).
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Nik Kershaw, Hammersmith Odeon (Apollo, these days), London in December 1984.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield on 7".
What’s your favourite song right now?
Time Out Of Mind by Steely Dan.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Bless my cotton socks I’m in the news" Reward by The Teardrop Explodes.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nature Boy by Nat King Cole.
Where can people find your music/more information?
The Bluetones can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well as at our website.
Alan Corr
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