INTERVIEW | MILBURN

Sheffield heroes Milburn made their return with four chaotic, immense nights at Sheffield's O2 Academy in April, and now the boys are back on the road - firstly with their own largely sold out tour, then two arena dates supporting Courteeners in what will be huge gigs for both bands and their fans. NRMB caught up with rhythm guitarist and vocalist Louis Carnall to discuss one of music's most exciting returns...

Dominic Penna: You sold out the O2 Academy Sheffield an incredible four times in April - how did it feel making your return to the live circuit?

Louis Carnall: Crackers, didn't expect 4. Myself & Joe had a bet - I only wanted to put one night on, he said two. He was right, but don't tell him I said that.

We had a great weekend. It was like being on a stag do in your own city. Sheffield was jumping. There was a real vibe in the pubs and bars in town.

The gigs were insane. Some real love for the band in the crowd. Pretty chuffed how they went. Proud of us.

DP: Which tracks mean the most to you and are most enjoyable to play live?

LC: We used to play for ourselves, for the fun but I think this time round, it's more for other people. They wanted us back, they loved the songs so it's the reaction of the fans that we enjoy the most. When there's a room full people going mad together in front of you, it's a good feeling.

DP: Are there any up and coming bands you have high hopes for or are listening to a lot at the minute?

LC: Listening to Sievehead, DIY punk band from Sheffield. Album's called Into the Blue, favourite track ‘No Grapes’.

Don't even know if they're that new but they're new to me.

DP: You will hit the road again this autumn with a huge tour, much of which is also sold out or close to selling out - what can those who are going expect from it?

LC: A trip down memory lane, with a surprise or two.

DP: As some people have suggested in light of the success of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Blossoms, do you feel indie is enjoying a surge in popularity?

LC: Not necessarily indie but bands with guitars definitely. Hopefully!! Bands like Foals and Courteeners doing arena gigs is mad. Fair play to them for getting to that level just purely by hard graft. Can't take it away from them.

DP: Finally, can we dare to dream of a third Milburn album at some point?

LC: Everyone should dream.