Band Of The Week #269 - Indoor Pets
This week’s Band of the Week is Kent indie rock quartet Indoor Pets - who have just released their new album ‘Pathetic Apathetic’ via Alcopop! Records.
Featuring the high-pitched snarl of Jamie Glass, the melodic guitar stylings of James Simpson, the rhythmic force of Rob Simpson on drums, and the ribcage-rattling basslines of Oliver Nunn, Indoor Pets have finally returned triumphant from their self-imposed hiatus with the promise of tour dates, a behemoth sophomore album, and a far darker mood.
A band that have never taken themselves too seriously, and now preparing to lay bare their internal angst for all to see, Indoor Pets are no longer pulling their punches.
The band took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Indoor Pets - how are you? So your album is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Praise be to the music Gods! A huge relief. We’ve been mentally ready to follow up our debut album for some time now - so it feels fantastic to finally be at a point where we can share it with the world.
It is called ‘Pathetic Apathetic’ - what is the meaning behind that?
The album tackles many concepts that have stemmed from an increase of apathy in the world. An issue that is only growing the more accessible media becomes. There’s so much out there to take in, but we end up not taking in anything. The title is a simple reference to that. Also we love a good play on words.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
We recorded the album at Squarehead Studios in Kent. Guitarist James has recorded bands there for years and it is one of the places that we most feel comfortable. It has the appearance of a falling apart industrial estate - but once you get inside, you realise that you have everything you’d possibly need to record something you’d be proud of. A really special place.
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
Other than my previous mention of apathy, the album tackles a lot of discomfort in our collective lives. From the cost of living crisis to the remnants of broken relationships. There’s a lot of pent up aggression spewing over the tracks. Even in its quieter moments.
If the album could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
I think if Richard Linklater decided to set Dazed & Confused in the 1990s instead of the 1970s - at least one of these songs would slide perfectly into that last day of school chaos. I know that would require a lot of time travel on our behalf, but why not think big?
Do you have a favourite lyric on the album - if so, which one and why?
“So I've paid the mortgage on my own sadness, it’s high time I owned it.” - Sadness Is A Phase. I’m not sure why, but that line always lingers in the back of my mind. Probably because it’s a call to arms that I still need to answer!
Now the album is out there - what next?
More. So much more! We’ve had such a long break in-between our debut and this album, that we’re desperate to push on and create more. We’re making up for lost time! Let’s tour the planet and put an album out every 6 months! What’s stopping us? Other than talent, popularity and finances - absolutely nothing!
Hot on the heels of 3 SOLD OUT nights at The Grace in London and Deaf Institute in Manchester, the band recently announced a run of May 2024 UK headline tour dates, with tickets on sale now (see below for listings), and Indoor Pets will also be appearing at Golden Touch Festival in June and at this year’s 2000 Trees Festival on 10th—13th July, with further festival dates TBA.
Live Shows:
21.05 - Glasgow - Mcchuills
22.05 - Newcastle - Zerox
23.05 - Manchester - Academy 3
26.05 - Sheffield - Sidney & Matilda
27.05 - Leeds - Oporto
28.05 - Nottingham - Bodega
29.05 - Bristol - Louisiana
30.05 - London - Garage
08.06 - Portsmouth - The Wedgewood Rooms (Golden Touch Festival 2024)
10.07—13.07 - 2000 Trees Festival
