PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
TAILBLOCK release their sophomore EP, Think Or Be, on Friday 13th July, and in anticipation, the tune merchants have just dropped a new track, Heavy Arms –
We had the guys down for a chat…..
What is the full band line-up, who plays what?
Jak Coleman (bass guitar/backing vocals), Martyn Kingsmill (drums/percussion/backing harmonies), Gary Ptaszek (guitar/lead vocals).
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
Tailblock formed in May 2016. There’s not much interesting about our hometown, all I can think of is that the VOX musical equipment company started in Dartford, and Keith Richards used to live in Dartford… that’s about it.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
We’ve known each other for quite a while, so once we got used to actually being in a band together it was pretty straight forward. I think after we recorded our first EP we really started to dial in our sound, and live performances.
Who are your musical influences?
We’re all into a wide variety of different styles of music, there’s a fair amount of stuff we agree on. Bands like Melvins, Alexisonfire, Samiam, Glassjaw, Smashing Pumpkins, Jawbox, Reuben, Deftones, Hundred Reasons, Sonic Youth, Rival Schools, Silverchair, and old Biffy Clyro are frequently played on the way to gigs… as well as Toto… and whatever rad local bands we’ve played with recently.
Where did the name of band come from?
A Tailblock is a really old skateboard trick. We kinda wanted to give the band a name that doesn’t give the listener any idea as to what the band sounds like before they hear us. (Tailblocks are awesome btw)
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? are you friends from school or any family relations?
We all played gigs together in our old bands. We have a bunch of mutual friends. We always wanted to do a band together but the timing was never right, as soon as it was we had a couple of practises and then went straight out playing shows. It worked out better than any of us had expected, and we all get along really well. It’s a really fun band to be a part of.
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
Difficult question. Track to track, I feel like we have a varied sound, and yet always manage to sound like ‘us’. Most listeners struggle to liken us to any other band, and when they do, it’s always someone different.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Sad songs, with happy tunes. A joyous way to otherwise describe an unfortunate event. Like stubbing your toe but at the exact same moment someone gives you a big slice of cake.
Do you have a tour on the horizon?
We’re hoping to do a short UK tour this year, and maybe a few gigs in Europe in the future.
Where can we find your social media sites?
Instagram/facebook: @tailblockband
