It’s been few years, but Ooberman, one of the UK’s most innovative bands, is back with a fantastic new album (Hey Petrunko) and a tour on the way.  The five-pieced, Liverpool-based group rocked Merseyside with their first hometown gig in three years on April 5 at the Zanzibar, but lead singer/songwriter Danny Popplewell still found time to catch up with KIU. During our chat we discussed where to go for a good drink in Liverpool, the Ooberman style, the virtues of Avril Lavigne, and found out who Pentrunko really is.

KIU Chocolate or strawberry?

Danny Popplewell Strawberry for milkshakes, but real chocolate over real strawberries.

KIU I noticed that Herman Hesse was listed as a spirit guide for Hey Petrunko. Which of his works in particularly inspired you and in what way?

D.P Particularly Narziss and Goldmund.  It completely captures the depth of meaning, beauty and the futility of life, especially a creative life.

KIU There seems to be a very distinctive Ooberman style that encompasses not only your sound, but also your visual imagery.  How do you explain and describe this style?

D.P I get images of beautiful intricate things and write songs and make artwork that reflects how it looks in my head.  Certain feelings like wonder and nostalgia seem so important that I feel compelled to try and capture and bottle those fleeting feelings. I guess I get vile images too, and maybe I'll do my 'vile album' when I go mad.

KIU Avril Lavigne: genuine songs of teen angst or flimsy cover for bland manufactured pop.  Discuss.

D.P Well, she seems like a great performer to me.  It's half manufactured and half real.

KIU You recently played at this year’s Liverpool Now: High and Dry festival. The average age of audience members was between 12 and 14 years old. How did it feel to play in front of such a young audience, and do you think the kids “got it?”

D.P It's refreshing to play to people who don't know who you are.  You feel more of a wish to try and get them into it, win them over.  I think some of them 'got it', and some of them just threw bits of paper at us. Good fun though.

KIU What’s your favourite bit of the seminal 1960’s musical Oliver starring Mark Lester?

D.P I can only remember the bit where he asks for more gruel.

KIU As the band is based in Liverpool, can you recommend any good bars or cafes in town?  I have recently moved here from the States. I always seem to end up in The Magnet, and I’m looking to diversify.

D.P Magnet's a good place to start, but there's nowhere I know of that'll transform your life.  Liquidation's not too bad on a Saturday.  Krazy House, well it's ok if you're 14 on a Thursday.  33-45 on Parr Street isn't so bad for musician types.  Dr Duncan's pub is good. And I like the Ship and Mitre pub on Dale Street, full of strange thick flat beers that taste like puddle water.

KIU Gladiator or Titanic?

D.P Gladiator

KIU “First Day of the Holidays” is my favourite track on the album.  What did you used to do on the first day of school holidays?

D.P I'd ride off into the sun with my mates on my BMX, with some ice pops and a fishing net.

KIU Who or what is Petrunko?

D.P It's a girl in a Bulgarian folk song.  She's the fittest girl in the village, and an awkward teenage boy goes straight to her instead of joing the end of the line, and the villagers all laugh at him.

KIU What’s currently in your CD player?

D.P The Land of Nod

KIU Filming music videos: fun or pain in the arse?

D.P Fun

KIU And finally, the Kittens in Underpants readership seems to be a daft lot and in need of much help. Do you have any life advice for such hopeless cases?

D.P Stop worrying, remember that you can do anything and don't get stuck in a rut unless it's worth it.