Catfish and the Bottlemen

Lead singer Van, bass player Billy and guitarist Ben met at school – the origins of their drummer, Dr Bob, remain enigmatic, something Van only describes as “a very naked story.” As a band, Catfish and the Bottlemen aren’t actually that new, but have spent the last year writing and recording together.

Van spent a lot of his early life in Australia, has a love of tacky horror films and, admittedly, only knows four guitar chords - "My friend's brother taught me guitar, and I think he was scared I'd get better than him."

More of a poet, really than a musician, he describes the band’s writing procedure as more of a process than adding than taking away – it’s all about “romantic lyrics” and parts that “hit you hard”. I say that I think “Homesick” does that – go listen to it. The chorus is an argument; enhanced syllables are great big prods in the heart, and the verses softly accompanied by delicate guitar riffs.

“Homesick” wasn’t a favourite of theirs, but when they presented what would have been their first EP,

Their recent UK tour has showed a huge expansion in their fan base – with heartwarming modesty, Van expresses surprise at seeing that people are actually singing along with the lyrics of the songs. His favourite gig they’ve played so far was at Camden Barfly, the end of May. “We’d just been signed to our label, so it was like a celebration”.

The label they’ve joined is Communion Records – founded by the likes of Kev Jones from Bear’s Den, Ben Lovett from Mumford and Sons and Maz Tappuni, radio presenter of Sunday night XFM goodness. Van describes the label not like an employer, but the way somebody talks about an inspiring teacher or older friend. “It’s like a great big family. They’re all musicians, so there’s no man in a suit telling you “This is how music should be.” They really get it.”

That night, I watch them play Wrexham’s Central Station – admittedly it’s spacious, but half of the crowd that there is run to the very front as soon as the band come on, dancing to every track and singing along, clasping their friends’ hands, headbanging, and raising their drinks in the air. I can’t quite tell who these people are – whether they’re big fans, who know and adore all of these songs, or if they just came out for the night and fell in love straight away. And I decide it doesn’t matter.

Catfish and the Bottlemen’s debut single, “Homesick”, came out last Monday and is already climbing the iTunes rock charts, reaching #11. You can buy it on iTunes, or find a vinyl copy here.