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X-clusive: Chikinki - Like 'Em Or Leave 'Em
For Bristolian newcomers Chikinki the next week could make or break them. New single 'Like It Or Leave It' has just been unleashed, and the band fly to Texas to perform for the world's A&R men at South By South West. Guitarist Ed East speaks exclusively to Xfm Online about the journey so far.
"I'm not too worried by South By South West to be honest," East explains. "We're not on until about 11pm at night, so I'm banking on everyone being drunk by then. I think that'll help us!"
The five-piece have come a long way since 2001's indie-label offering 'Experiment With Mother', signing a deal with Island records and allowing their sound to evolve.
"Our first album was very much a bedroom affair, but after playing the tracks live for some time, we've moved forward to a more organic live sound in the studio with some added fat bass sounds for good measure."
Sometimes dismissed as pretenders to the Cooper Temple throne, East is quick to point out the differences between the two bands.
"Whilst the Coopers have some synths in their line-up, I don't think we have the same influences. They seem to come from a rock angle, whereas we're much more song based."
Their live shows are also gaining a healthily notorious reputation, though not necessarily for the music…
"We had a great night at the Xfm Remix night we played with Eddy Temple-Morris and Kasabian, but I think Rupert [Browne, vocals] fell on someone's girlfriend when he jumped into the audience. This guy took offence and threw a few bottles at him. It was all a bit crazy.
"Then there was the final gig on the double-header tour we did with Kasabian a couple of weeks ago. They jump-started their bus the night before the final show by pushing it the wrong way down a one-way street and knackered the engine. So we had to play the last night of the gig without them.
"So we decided the thing to do would be to learn one of their songs, 'Processed Beats', in the sound-check and play it for their fans by way of an apology" East explains before adding worriedly "I hope we didn't murder it…"
'Like It Or Leave It' is out now with the album 'Lick Your Ticket' set to follow on May 31.
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