“We don't have our version of Eddie from Iron Maiden if that's what you mean?! We have a tiger's head that usually comes out of the cupboard on long drunken nights; I guess that's the closest thing we have to a mascot.”
Hotly tipped as one of the bands to watch out for in the coming year, Raygun aren’t ones to beat around the bush so to speak, with new single “Just Because” now available to download and a second single “Waiting in Line” already in the pipeline for October, things are hotting up for this London-based foursome.

Forming only a couple of years ago, their creation was every bit as slapdash and endearingly unorganised as the band’s music style would connote:

“We found Sam and Ben through a mutual friend. We had a jam together, went out for a beer and woke up in bed together. I guess they must really have wanted to be in a band to be able to put up with Ray and I”.

But it’s been a fast two years for these guys, with a hardcore touring schedule and an ever rapidly growing fanbase. They describe their sound as “pleasure and excitement” and with a sound drawing on strong catchy beats, undeniably captivating guitar riffs and unavoidably beguiling songs (which I find myself singing a little too often), it is evident there is a lot on offer from Raygun.

Latest single “Just Because” introduces the notion of doing something just because you can, a notion that everyone undeniably has some undercurrent of thought upon, and for guitarist, Adj, his answer is to “Shoplift. I love Wynona Ryder.”

Becoming known for their views and tongue-in-cheek attitude, Raygun are certainly making a name for themselves, whilst shoving a firm two fingers up to the mainstream. And despite claiming they were merely “the only people that could put up with each other long enough to write a song together”, things are working out pretty well for these guys:

“Our lyrical inspiration comes from our lives but we have to then work it into a way that other people will relate to it. Once you've got that, you've got a song.”

“Live shows are the most important thing for us. Every single time our band has moved forward it has been because of our live show. Our record is great but our live show is miles ahead. If someone actually gives us a budget for shows, we'd be dangerous.”

With a performance set on the Absolute/Union stage at this year’s V festival, the band, especially Adj, is excited for their first major festival date;

“V is a great festival and it's an honour to be asked to play considering we're nobodies! I love festivals, I try to do the full on camping thing for the whole weekend whenever I can. My tips would be stay dry and stay safe kids, take as much rubber as you can!”

So there you go, follow his advice and be sure to go check out Raygun at this year’s V festival. But for those of you who can’t make it, we are promised UK tour dates will be pencilled in around October time so keep your eyes peeled, Raygun look set to be out in full force.

By Amber Brooker

www.myspace.com/raygunofficial