(((o))): For the fools out there that have never heard any of your music before, how would you describe your music/sound?
Lori: A sex machine gone wrong due to misuse.
(((o))): Your video of ‘Yellowism’ displays a keen eye for embracing the boy band video clichés. If you had to tour with either Backstreet Boys, NSync or Boyzone who would you choose and why?
Lori: Boyzone, they covered the greatest song of all time, 'Father and Son' by Cat Stevens, and killed it completely. I would be all friendly to them at first, even picking up tips on how to stand up from a seated position during keys changes, before murdering them one by one.
(((o))): According to notable source of reliable information and truth, Wikipedia, the majority of the band met at the London Oratory School. How important is friendship within the structure of a band generally and also specifically in your band?
Lori: Everything we do is based around friendship I guess. I met Cal [Calvin Smith - Drums], when we were 4 and the other guys when we were 11. We aren't a group of musicians, we are friends who happen to be in a band together. I think that comes though in everything we put out.
(((o))): Sean’s vocals are as integral to the songs as the other “traditional” instruments. How much does his phenomenal range play a part in how songs are written and structured?
Lori: Sean writes the vocals around a finished song usually. Him and Dez [Derya Nagle - Guitars] lock themselves away for a while and work at it. Every time they change a little but as people, I don't think I would like to be in there with them to see why.
(((o))): What bands/artists are you currently listening to?
Lori: Karnivool, Earl Sweatshirt, Bad Rabbits and Battles
(((o))): It has been said that before going onstage Mariah Carey bathes in the pulped remains of goldfishes. Tom Jones once said that he enjoyed a vigorous and energetic game of Yahtzee before a gig. What is the pre-stage ritual for yourselves?
Lori: Group cuddles. I need an embrace before a show.
(((o))): It was recently announced that you will be taking part in the Progressive Nation at Sea festival. How did this come about?
Lori: Bizarrely Dez received an email one day which opened "Hi Dez, Mike Portnoy here." Surreal isn't even the word for that.
(((o))): The festival features some pretty impressive progressive acts. Any bands/artists you are particularly keen to see?
Lori: Personally I love The Dear Hunter and Animals as Leaders. I'm mainly excited about wearing my sweet Hawaiian shirt on deck and repeatedly saying "cruisin'" as the sea breeze flows through my hair whilst I sip some kind of fruity beverage.
(((o))): Do you find the creative process easy? How much time do you spend trying to make an idea (a riff, a song etc.) “work”?
Lori: Dez is the main song writer. If it was me we would be writing poor versions of Cat Stevens tunes, but making serious dollar. I'm working on a side project as we speak.
(((o))): How important is social media for musicians? Are there any downsides to the 24/7 mentality?
Lori: Social media is like a book token, both a gift and a curse. You can connect directly with fans like at no other time but equally you haven't option but to use it now. We love interacting with our fans, but equally it would've great if more traditional mediums still had impact.
(((o))): Your new album Mouth Of Swords features some fantastically intricate playing across all instruments. How much time do you spend practising both as a group and as individual players?
Lori: I'm really lazy, but if I didn't rehearse a lot I simply wouldn't be able to play the music we write. We rehearse once a week in our downtime and then a lot more coming up to tours.
(((o))): Do you have a favourite song on the album? If so which one and why?
Lori: Probably 'Old Souls'. As a bass player that song has so much groove you can't help but pull some serious groove bass faces on stage.
(((o))): You’re on tour and end up stranded on a desert island. Which one of the band do you hollow out and use as a canoe and why?
Lori: Calvin once made a bench with planks he found around, so we would need him to do the hollowing. It would more than likely be me, I am broad, masculine, sexy, good looking. Jealousy is rife in The Safety Fire.
(((o))): You’re playing a series of dates in September. Are you planning on doing further UK touring this year/next year?
Lori: Next year...watch this space.
(((o))): If your band was a biscuit what one would it be and why?
Lori: Custard cream. Delicious yet dirty.
(((o))): And finally: any last words/thoughts you wish to share with us?
Lori: Check out Mouth Of Swords now! Thanks for all the support everyone!
