The Estranged are one of the very first bands to appear out of the emerging Post-Punk/Anarcho/Death Rock/Wave inspired punk scene and I thought it would be fitting to have them be my first interview.  They’ve always been one of the brightest groups out there in my opinion and are not to be missed live. Here’s a short interview I did with Mark, their lead singer and guitar player a few months ago.

So introductions are probably not necessary since you guys have actually been around for a while now but what was your inspiration in forming the Estranged?

Mark- I saw/heard bands doing kinda similar stuff and I just thought that we could do it better.

What are your thoughts on the sudden appearance of so many new bands playing this type of music?

Mark- I think post punk is kinda trendy just like any other music but at least it’s inspired people to do something creative albeit sometimes totally unoriginal. It’s ok to be inspired by other bands but now there are so many bands playing stuff that sounds exactly like the one band they are obsessed with and It’s getting to the point where it’s kinda turning into a played out fantasy where you don’t have to pretend that you’re in your favorite band, you are that band which is great if makes them happy.

As a band do you feel as though you have changed since your first recordings?

Mark- Yeah, we used to be more raw and I think that we are beginning to be more refined and a little more cohesive/palpable. But as we do that I still want us to sound like us.

If you had to pick a favorite of your songs what would it be?

Mark- well, Im always gonna say our new songs but if I had to pick an old song I’d say lunacy or wicker man because I think they stray away from our usual style a little bit.

Are there any non musical influences, like books, tv or film etc. that inform your work?

Mark- Yes, our song “wicker man” taken after the Robin Hardy film and our song “the subliminal man” taken after the Ballard short story.

I’ve noticed that a lot up punks have taken an interest in conspiracies and the paranormal. Do you guys have any interest in this kind of stuff?

Mark-I’ve always been interested in that stuff and we have some songs that talk about it.

So what’s next for the Estranged?

Mark- Record another LP then tour.

Any bands you’d like to plug that readers might not have heard of?

Mark- Well, here’s my list:
-Roland S. Howard solo stuff
-These Immortal Souls
-Crime & the City Solution
-The Eyes (60’s english garage/psyche)
-Ennio Morricone