Vinny Peculiar Interview

After touring with The Killers, British Sea Power and Arab Strap, Vinny Peculiar plays West Bridgford Boat Club this Friday with support from highly acclaimed Nottingham band The Lanes and Philistine.

His own eccentric brand of poetic punk looks set to turn heads with Casio keyboards and socially conscious ditties a plenty, which - together a rhythm section boasting ex-Smiths Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke - has lead to great critical acclaim. I spoke to Vinny, albeit briefly.

You're set to release your first album with your new band. How do you feel they have influenced your sound?
"Well it's a much more raw and organic sound; much like a sort of reference back to the days of punk, you know. We've tried to get elements of Talking Heads going on as well on our new album. It's what a lot of people are doing now."
"I've noticed U2 seem to have gone back to their roots.  Anyway, we kind of met up after a gig this February and just on the spur of the moment decided to form a band. It's really great having them in the band, there's real chemistry. Obviously they're very proud of their past, but I'm not too sure they'd want to talk about their relationship with Morrissey that much."

Yes, it seems Rock n Roll is much more accessible to the older generations these days. All those ramps and things...
"Yeah that's good because I'm no Indie kid organiser any more. (Laughs)."

Do you think the new wave of 80s style music with bands like the Killers and the Bravery is just another passing trend? How do you fit into that?
"I think there's room for quality music whenever you know. As long as you've got something decent to say, people will listen. I think there's a lot of poetry involved in our music too; some songs are preceded by spoken word. If you want a rough approximation of what we're about, someone once called me the Tony Hancock of pop."

But you go on for longer than half an hour though?
(Something approaching a feigned chuckle).

Presumably you've been influenced by your Manchunian roots. Are you still in contact with the Manchester scene?
"I'm originally from Brum. I do, but I suppose with touring and everything you tend to lose track of these things when you're on the road. I played the Rescue Rooms earlier this year and that's a great venue. But I've never been to the Boat Club before."

Yes, I'd imagine the proximity to the Forest Ground will inject some despondency into your set!
"Yeah it is a bit awful what's happening with them at the moment. And also with that shooting, but it'll all get better for Nottingham soon..."

Hmmm. On that note, thank you very much Mr. Peculiar.
"Thankyou."

Vinny Peculiar at the Boat Club