When we heard that Joe Talbot, the enigmatic frontman from punk band IDLES was paying Exeter Phoenix a visit on 11th January for a DJ set, we thought it’d be nice to chat to one of the bands that will be supporting him on the night. The band are called SPITTING BLOOD and we collared their singer Dave Growler for a few minutes to chat between knocking out festive fodder at the pub where he works, here’s how we got on….

How would you describe the live music scene in Exeter right now?

It’s been better. There’s not as many people doing bands as there was five years, which is a shame .

Is there a particular genre of music that does better than others in Exeter? why do you think this is?

There’s always been more punk bands, simple, cos there’s less fuss about how well you can play. It’s about people getting together and doing something. The Cavern has played a massive part in that. It’s the pillar that keeps it all going.

Tell me about Spitting Blood, who's in the band, what kind of music do you play etc....?

Me (Dave Growler), the only original member, Mark on guitar, Alex on drums, Si on guitar, Andy Shaw on bass. We play hardcore punk rock.

You are supporting Joe Talbot from IDLES when he plays a DJ set at Exeter Phoenix on Jan 11th, what can the audience expect from your set?

No holds barred in your face, lots of energy, no prisoners to be taken

Are you big fans of IDLES?

Yes of course. Really good to see more politics in punk rock, and Joe challenges us to think about masculinity. Basically it’s relevant to the everyday person in Brexit Britain.

2018 came and went in a flash, tell me your top 3 albums from the year?

IDLES, Muncie Girls, 51st State

Which 3 bands/artists should our readers be checking out right now and why?

Discount Lindas – they play cool quirky feminist punk.

Neurotic Fiction – Rory Matthews’ new project

and IDLES obviously!

Is there such a thing as a 'typical' Spitting Blood live show?

You can expect members being sacked on stage, instruments that have never worked and a singer that acts like Michael Flatley fronting a hardcore band

Let's say that you have 10 minutes left on this earth and you have to listen to a couple of tracks, what are they gonna be and why?

Zero Signal by Fear Factory – from the record that changed my life forever.

Platypus by Green Day. I sang this for The Cut Ups Christmas Karaoke and Ted (the prick) ripped my favourite Devil May Cry 4 t-shirt

Tell us your BEST joke

Brexit…..Badoom Tish!

Christmas and New Year have passed us by, what did you get up to for both?

I was the chef.

Will cassette tapes ever make a come back as a bonafide format of music that people will start to buy again?

No, they’re bollocks.

What do your songs say to people?

Punk’s not a haircut, and Unit 1 Is Shit.

Do you have a 'magical formula' for writing songs? Set process etc?

No, I just make them up on the spot and hope for the best

Which gigs/shows are YOU most excited about this year (apart from Joe Talbot on Jan 11th of course!)

War On Women in June at The Cavern.

Let's say that you've been asked to nominate the 3 headline acts to play at Glastonbury 2019, which would you choose and why?

Nine Inch Nails – I’ve still never seen them.

Green Day.

The Cut Ups Christmas Karaoke

What does 2019 hold in store for Spitting Blood?

To tour and get a new record out.

Tickets to see Joe Talbot perform a kick ass DJ set at Exeter Phoenix, supported by Bristol based punk quartet HEAVY LUNGS and of course, Dave Growlers SPITTING BLOOD are available HERE, goodness only knows how they haven’t sold out yet, it’s only £10! - If you’re planning on coming, I’d get them ordered NOW to avoid disappointment on the night, we’ll see you there….

Interview by Steve Muscutt