How about a rock band that plays rock music? No. This isn’t an electro-rock band produced by Simian’s James Ford or a sleazy, dance-rock troupe from East London. Jackson Analogue are an Isle of Wight quintet who play proper songwriting rock stuff - slightly haunting, dusty, blues-tinged material of a quality, which is surprisingly rare these days. This un-fadish, non-trend-following attitude has amassed the band a loyal following since they formed in 2004. Island Records obviously liked their unpretentious vibe and epic muddy riffs because after their first London gig, they signed the band to a development deal and put out their debut EP, ‘West Of Here’ in April this year. Unanimously good reviews, an epic XFM session and sell out gigs followed, whilst comparisons to rock deities Queens Of The Stone Age (with a Hammond organ) simply aided their discovery.

After a buckaroo SXSW 06 performance in Texas at the Island Records’ barbeque, Jackson Analogue are roughly a month away from the release of their debut single ‘Stop’ on August 14.

But for now, let’s introduce brothers Rob (vocals/guitar) and Jim Homes (vocals/guitar), Pete Corney (Hammond organ), Craig Watson (drums) and Matt Windsor (bass) who when combined become Jackson Analogue. You should give them a try, (not just the interview, their music too) because trends don’t last forever.

What sets you apart from the hundreds of other bands trying to make it every year? We aren’t worried if we make it or not. And four members of our band can speak to badgers.

Is the name of the band studio related? I heard you guys like to geek out about recording techniques and equipment. Jackson Analogue is the name of a piece of equipment that we record everything through.

What’s it like being the 'second best' band from the Isle of Wight? (EVERYBODY loves The Bees). We wouldn’t know about that. Anyway, I heard that second was the best, third hairy chest, golden eagle blah, blah blah.

Is the Isle of Wight as bad as everyone makes out?
As in 'ghetto bad' or as in 'just bad'? If so, depends what you want. We have beaches, walks, superstores, eccentrics and everything you’ve got on the mainland. Less bullshit maybe, unless you mean bad meaning good?

You’ve been compared to the likes of Pearl Jam, Radiohead, PJ Harvey etc. Bollocks to that, how would you describe your sound? Our music sounds a lot like Pearl jam, Radiohead and PJ Harvey. We don’t really fit in with the current trends, but that’s exactly how we want it.

How would you finish the sentence, the UK rock/indie scene at the moment is… Wearing very tight trousers and playing 16 beats.

What do you guys listen to on your tour bus?
Our tour manager’s prison stories and way too much music to list here.

Who does your sleeve art? It’s pretty top dollar.
Until now, we have done it ourselves but for ‘Stop’ we had a guy from NY called Esao Andrews painting for us.

Are you doing any festivals later in the summer?
Not sure yet! I think that’s a kind of no.

What was the SXSW experience like?
Expensive. Had a crazy time, despite their weak LSD.

Did you get to check out any other acts?
We watched the Brian Jonestown Massacre through a window and got up close and personal with the Stones Throw crew.

Talking of Stones Throw, are you guys influenced by a lot of music outside of rock? Your drummer seems to have a penchant for hip hop beats, how about the rest of you guys? Vash does live hip hop and yes, he will wear a backpack to a gig. And yes, he is a middle class white boy. But we are all influenced by most music, there’s too many to list.

Has any of your music been signed to the OC yet?
Don’t be silly.

Why is your key player called Beest?
The name Beest is a tag from Peter’s dark, dark past we won’t let him forget. He also lives in a cellar and never cooks his food.

Tell us an interesting fact about each member of your band?
Jim once wasted a decade with a girl that hated him.
Rob is in fact only three foot, five inches tall
Matt’s girlfriend was also his first ever fan.
Craig won the Island 'Fish of the Month' (lesser spotted Dog Fish). Beest’s nan was the woman singing right after the elephant shit on Blue Peter.

Jackson Analogue’s debut single ‘Stop’ is out on August 14 released by Island Records. Catch them live when they play at the Bar Academy Islington’s JOG ON ( London, July 27); The Hub (Plymouth, July 28) and K Festival (Newquay, July 28).

www.myspace.com/jacksonanalogue
www.jacksonanalogue.com