British indie rockers the Fratellis have a new record out, and a date with Thailand - maybe

The Fratelli "brothers" are making a comeback with their second album "Here We Stand", which will be released on Monday. After the success of their debut "Costello Music" in 2006, which rose to No 2 in the UK, the Scottish rock trio toured Europe and parts of Asia and made it big with their brash-yet-melodic hits like "Chelsea Dagger" and "Henrietta".

With "Stand" about to appear on shelves, frontman Jon Fratelli made some time to chat with Daily Xpress.

What are you guys up to?

We're now in Glasgow, just back from London where we were promoting the album.

Why is it called "Here We Stand"?

We didn't think about the name of the album until we had to. So with our backs against the wall and pen and paper in hand, this is what came out.

What about first single "Mistress Mable"?

Well, there's no story behind it, really. When there's no story to write about that's when you make one up.

What do you talk about in the lyrics on this album?

The first album was all made-up stories. I think this album is more real. I write about what comes up in my head. It's about a lot of things actually, about things that happened to me.

Music wise, what's it like?

It's a little heavier, with some piano in it.

Any pressure? The debut was such a success.

[The only] pressure I had was me pushing myself to do better, to make an album I'm happy about. And I'm happy with this album.

You plan to tour the US. Are listeners there hard to please?

I don't even think [America] has our first album. I have no idea what it's going be like. Maybe we'll discover something new about our sound. It's always exciting to go somewhere strange.

What's next?

We'll tour America, then some festivals in Europe and the UK, then America again. Then we'll go to Japan. It's like a year of touring.

Is Thailand in your tour itinerary?

I hope so. If the people there want us enough, we'll be there in a flash. We're desperate to play there.

XTRA

Beat brothers

>> The Fratellis are vocalist-guitarist Jon, bassist Barry and drummer-banjo player Mince. The three are not related.

>> See www.TheFratellis.com.