Earlier today, I chatted with Neil Campesinos! Our full exchange below:

1. Last week’s volcanic eruption forced LC! to reschedule several North American gigs. How frustrating was the whole experience?

It was really annoying. We’ve been really excited to come over to The States. We haven’t been here since last August so it’s been quite a long time. When we woke up on Thursday morning, we heard about the volcano. Then we sat around the hotel airport for a few days being depressed. Really frustrating!

2. What’s the inspiration behind the video for ‘Romance…’?

We let Alex De Campi curate the whole clip. It’s quite nice to have a visually creative person design a concept and go for it. It came out really cool.

Read the remainder of this interview AFTER THE JUMP…

3. How did the recording process for Romance Is Boring differ from all previous Los Campesinos! releases?

It was a little bit different. For one, this was the first time that we actually wrote an album together. Hold On Now Youngster is mostly a collection of older songs and We Are Beautiful We Are Doomed is more of an EP. We recorded Romance Is Boring in two sessions – one in Stanford, Connecticut and one in Seattle, Washington. It was mixed in The UK. We completed the record over a year ago and we’re still really happy with how it came out.

4. Last year, Aleks left the band to continue her studies. How are things working out with Gareth’s sister, Kim?

Really well! The transition was not traumatic in any way. No stress!

5. Is there any Welsh band that we should keep an ear out for?

Islet. They’re a four piece noisy pop act. They’re erratic and really awesome.

6. What are you currently listening to?

I am loving The Monitor by Titus Andronicus.

7. What are your plans & goals for the rest of the year?

We’re playing at a bunch of European festivals. We’re very excited about Primavera. More touring, more recording, keeping off the streets.

8. Are there any misconceptions that you’d like to clear up?

Yes, people have this idea that we are a twee band and that we’re all sissies. They think that we’re annoying bratty college kids which isn’t true. ‘Twee’ is a negative label. We’re not flimsy. We like football, drinking and rocking out.

Visit Los Campesinos! at their official site.

MP3: Los Campesinos! – The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future