This interview occurred over email with Shug, bass player with West Lothian noise gurus Foil. Thanks to him, and to Paul Taylor from 13th Note records for their time and effort involved.

How did the band get together?

We met be accident when we all showed up for a job interview at the local abattoir but weren't qualified enough to hold a knife, so we took up music.

Is there a Foil manifesto, and if so what is it?

no set agenda, we just try and keep an open mind.

What are the band's main influences, and who do you consider your peers at the moment?

The common music thread is punk, from Sonic Youth to A.T.V., at the moment we like Blues Explosion, Radiohead, Polvo, Idlewild, Jesus Lizard, Sawyer, Groop Dog Drill.

Any real famous branches on the Foil rock family tree?

No, we've always been and have always been connected to underachievers.

The opposite of Desert Island Discs - name three songs that would make you want to go for a swim with the sharks instead.

Phil Collins, Simply Red & "Donald Where's Yer Trousers" - Andy Stewart

What do you think of the alternative music scene at the moment? Is the relative mainstream success of "indie" a good thing, or has it just resulted in the true underground being driven down further?

The Rise in Club culture has affected the live band scene more, less people are interested in seeing a live band these days. But it is a sad day when Kula Shaker & Cast etc are regarded as "indie", it doesn't help the cause.

What's the craziest thing that's happened to Foil on the road?

Being with Groop Dog Drill, lovely but crazy guys, & Mark E. Smith well thats another story altogether.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about forming a band at the moment?

If they want to make it big, wait for the next big scene, change musical direction to suit and hey presto, you're huge. or believe in yourselves and music fuck everyone else, pray and generally starve for the next 10 years.

Any chance of a cover version of Aqua's "Doctor Jones"?

We tried, but it was a bit too musically challenging for us.

Finally, what are Foil's plans for the future?

We are in the studio at the moment doing some new stuff, so after doing a few festivals in the summer we should be putting some of that stuff out.

That's it. Thanks to yourself, and to the band in advance.

No problem thanks for the interest, SHUG.