Oxford based Tanners Pool released their debut EP Out Of Line earlier this year. As they prepare the follow up we had a quick chat with the band to hear all about the EP, their live gigs and what they are up to next.
How did the band get together?
We’re a new four-piece fronted by songwriting duo Matt and Jess, who met at university. We hit the live scene at the end of last year, with Matt on lead vocals and Jess on lead guitar. We’re joined by Seth on bass and Shoji on drums – we met Seth through a friend and Shoji is an old school friend who came to our first gig and loved what he heard.
Who are so of the bands influences?
Our writing is influenced by anything with energy! We grew up listening to Hendrix, Led Zep, Guns n Roses, Nirvana… the list goes on and we still love them all. We’re picking up influences as we go though, and our newest stuff is coming out a bit different – we’re pretty excited about it!
How would you describe the sound of Tanners Pool?
Like gritty sonic candy!
Your new EP Out Of Line is out now. Can you tell us a bit about it?
It’s our debut EP! We wanted to explore a raw, gritty sound for these tracks. We’ve kept the effects quite bare to let the guitars and drums speak for themselves. It’s created a punchy, upfront feel that defines the EP and is really true to the vibe we’ve got going on at the moment.
What are some of the songs on Out Of Line about?
We called it Out Of Line because all the tracks are about going against the grain to follow your own path in life, in one way or another – for example, having the courage to move past destructive opinions, or moving on from a reality that didn’t match the dream.
Are there any plans for a full length album from Tanners Pool?
Oooh that’s a good one! We’re exploring some different ideas right now, so it’s likely that our next release will either be a single or an EP featuring those new sounds.
You’ve done a video for the track Bad Advice, can you tell us a bit about the video?
Sure, we wanted something fast-paced and a bit gritty to mirror the feel of the song. It was filmed on a hand-held camera to give it an edgy feel and we used lots of fast cuts and colour tints to build the energy. The plot revolves around kidnapping Jess to play in the band’s live shows.We didn’t want it to get too dark though, so we added a few jokey twists to lighten the tone – I think pretty much everyone ends up being tied up by the end.
Have you got any upcoming live dates?
We’re planning on taking some time to focus on writing new stuff, we’ll be back on Dec 2rd with a local show at Oxford’s Wheatsheaf.
What are your live shows like?
They’re “a bit loud really”, apparently. Thanks bro!
If you could tour with any bands. Who would you choose?
Wow, that’s a difficult one! Spinal Tap, we’d learn from the best!
What has been the most memorable gig that Tanners Pool have ever done?
So far, probably our EP launch gig at the Jericho Tavern in Oxford. The crowd had a really great energy and we loved playing for them. Plus it’s pretty ace to play at the same venue that’s hosted Radiohead, Supergrass, Ride, and so many other great bands over the years!
What are your favourite albums of all time?
I guess the first albums you hear growing up are the ones that stick with you. For Matt, that was Led Zep IV and for Jess, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.
Are there any upcoming bands that you could recommend to us?
Esther Joy Lane. We loved her sets at the Common People festival back in May, so much bass!
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
We’ve got another single on the go, which will be out before the end of the year. But we’ve got loads of ideas we want to try out – watch this space!!
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