“Rough Trade pop inspired by Fugazi, ..Trail Of Dead, Pavement and alcohol” Interview: Fickle Public - Just Like I Got Used To Saying Courteney Cox Arquette

As Bad gigs go, Fickle Public's worst was a stinker. But unlike most bands who might ditch rock for a more respected profession - like a puppy executioner or 'X-Factor' judge, perhaps - Glasgow quartet Fickle Public walked away with a record deal.

"It was 2003 when we played with Jetplane Landing in Edinburgh," remembers singer and guitarist Alan Ferguson. "There were about 20 people there, we were all horribly hungover and played shockingly. But Jetplane signed us to their Smalltown America label afterwards anyway. They're one of the best indie labels in the UK; their ethic is rock solid and they're one of the most proactive labels I have come across."

Since then, the foursome have been beavering away at their own abrasive punk rock concoction - what they term "Rough Trade pop inspired by Fugazi, ..Trail Of Dead, Pavement and alcohol". Fickle Public have already played T In The Park, shared stages with Alkaline Trio and released intriguingly-titled 'Just Like I Got Used To Saying Courteney Cox Arquette'.

"It's actually a quote from an episode of 'The Simpsons'," laughs Ferguson. "It was only really a working title that just stuck from there. The main motive, though, was to make it annoying for people to type it out all the time."

We'll just use cut and paste, thanks. All will be forgiven, though, when debut album 'Bucko' drops in 2006 and Fickle Public play K!'s 'Most Wanted!' tour as support to Swedish post-hardcore merchants Blindside.

"We can't wait - our live shows are pretty lively and energetic with a bit of humour here and there," says Ferguson. "It's a great opportunity."

If they're this good when they're bad, we can't wait to see them.

HEAR: 'Just Like I Got Used To Saying Courteney Cox Arquette' released soon via Smalltown America records
MORE INFO AT: www.ficklepublic.com

Fickle Public Photograph Courtesy of Graham Smith

© Kerrang! 2006