Interview: Colt 45

We caught up with Neil from Cumbrian punks Colt 45 ahead of the release of their debut album, The Tide Is Turning, in July....

The Punk Archive: Are you excited to release The Tide Is Turning?
Neil: Very! For me, this is what we've all been working towards for years...a proper full length album, released on a great label, great artwork...and we're really proud of all the songs on the record.

The Punk Archive: Can you give us an insight into the new record: should we expect any surprises, or changes in sound?
Neil: I think if you liked Colt 45 in the past, you'll dig the new stuff...I mean, yes, I think there has been a slight change in sound maybe...we play things a bit slower now and think more about the songs dynamically and stuff...but it's just a progression really...we're all learning more and more as we go along, so it's a healthy progression I think.

The Punk Archive: You've been branded street-punk, melodic-punk, alt and much more: where do you see your sound fitting?
Neil: I don't know...I don't really care...I'm a fan of good songs and that's what we aim to write. I wouldn't say we fit into a particular scene or anything like that...we all grew up listening to punk rock bands so that's always gonna shine through cos that's how we learned how to play, but I'd like to think we have a little bit more diversity than sticking to a certain sound or formula...

The Punk Archive: The new record is entitled The Tide Is Turning. Is this a metaphor for something: is the tide turning?
Neil: Yeah, it's a line from a song on the album called The Simple Things Are Working. It just really summed up the record as a whole I think. Speaking personally for me (but I know it's true for Gareth and Adam too) in the last two years or so everything really has taken a turn for the better...both personally and in our music. We've struggled on over the years and now we've signed a record deal with a label we were all fans of as kids, we're getting the opportunity to play great gigs and do cool stuff...so yeah...can't really complain at the minute.

The Punk Archive: You must be absolutely delighted to be playing Download....?
Neil: Yeah, totally! It was such a surprise too...when we found out, we were over the moon! It's definitely the biggest event we've done, but we can't wait to get up there and play! We've all been as punters in the past, so it'll be great to go and see it from the other side this year...

The Punk Archive: You've been touring with some big bands and now working with Romesh Dodangoda who has also worked with some big bands in his time. How has that all been for you?
Neil: It's been great...we worked with Romesh on the two EPs that made up Coughing Up Confessions, going back was a bit of a no-brainer for me. It's always just a nice, relaxed environment when we're down there in south Wales, we all like alot of the same bands as Romesh, so it all just works great!

The Punk Archive: You're coming back to Camden Rocks this year. How did you find last year, and are you excited to be back?
Neil: Last year was great...we're at The Enterprise this year...the thing about last year (and this year as well!) is that there's so many other great bands playing, so I just enjoy going for the day out and catching loads of cool bands. Nine Black Alps are a regular feature in the van, so we're well up for that this year!