The Walls have changed shape since their inception in 2000 - has the musical direction of the band changed also?

Yes I think the direction changes depending on who's in the band. When Carl Harms was in the band, we had lots of loops and used sequencers and sampler, because Carl was a whiz at all that stuff. The rest of us don't really have the patience for that, so these days we stick to using real instruments as much as possible.

You have performed all over Ireland and in the US; are you well received abroad?

Yes, we usually get a good reaction. We don't tour abroad as much as other bands, so the novelty is still there. One of our favourite places to play is the Czech Republic. The people there really get into the music. They're not spoilt for choice like we are here, so they really make an effort to go and see all the acts that visit the country. It's a bit like going back in time to Ireland 20 years ago before everyone was flaunting their wealth.

Your music has been described as 'big rock combined with graceful punk'. Is this accurate? How would you describe the band's sound today?

I've never heard that description before- big rock sounds a bit nasty! I can't really describe the band's sound, as we're in recording, writing mode at the moment. Feel-good music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck is what we're aspiring to. I'll let people judge for themselves on the night if we're getting it right.

As a band there is two guitarists, a bassist and a drummer. How important do you think musicians and writing your own music are, in a music world that is now dominated with many artists that don't play any instruments or write any original material?

Well as I said, I think the world is over-saturated with that kind of stuff. I think a lot of people are sick of it and are looking for music that is real.

What do you think of shows like The X Factor; do you think the artists can last after the hype of the show dies down?

The odd person might have a career after doing well on one of those shows, but most people seem to disappear. Being associated with them is probably more of a stigma than anything.

What does the year ahead hold for The Walls?

Well we've got an album to finish - that's the biggest task at hand. When it's done and dusted we will probably tour. We've some gigs lined up around Europe for later in the year. If we get a good summer we make as much hay as possible.

The Walls will play the Station House Theatre in Clifden on Saturday 23 February and the Róisín Dubh on Monday 25 February. Tickets, €22.50, are available from 095-30303

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