Yes, we're back with another catch-up Q&A, this time featuring Ciaran's update on the band's new album, hints about tour plans and a curious question about Jack Dee. Thanks to Ciaran for the studio picture.

Hello Ciaran, how are you?
Very well, thanks.

What are you up to today?
I will shortly be going to the dentist. Not terribly exciting, but it’s been a while and I think my teeth need a good looking over. Then later on I’m going over to Dan’s, where we have the new studio.


Is it just us, or is Paul looking guilty?

Dan’s home studio is complete?
More or less. There’s a few things to plug in, but other than that, it's all up and running. Which is great.

And you'll be recording the album there?
Yes, that's the idea. We moved all of our stuff out of the old place last week. That took bloody ages. We had an awful lot of crap which we had to chuck out by the bin area. I've since received an email asking if it was us that left it there! So I'm going to have to organise someone to pick it up and get rid of it.

What were you chucking out?
Oh, stuff like old chairs. Actually, we found those by the bins in the first place. But now we're all settled in to Dan's place.

And how is the album coming on?
Well, it's coming out early next year, for sure.

At one point it was looking like coming out in 2010. Why has it trickled into 2011?
Many a reason, but mainly that it's not quite finished yet.

Paul said last time that the mixing was underway.
It's started, yeah. Plus there's the artwork to do, and the mastering. It all adds up to a reasonably lengthy process. And, at the same time, we wouldn't want to be releasing it over Christmas, when we'd have competition from Mr Cowell and his conglomeration.

Have the label heard what you've done?
Most of it, yeah. They seem really happy.

You had the gig in Kilmarnock recently. How was that?
It was great, yeah. Really good fun.

Did you see any familiar faces in the front rows?
Well, where I am I can barely see anyone. But we saw a few fans we know afterwards, which was nice.

Did you do anything else while you were in Scotland?
Actually, we tried to go and see the Scott Pilgrim film, but the time on the internet was wrong and it had already started by the time we got there. We asked if we could swap to something else, and so we ended up watching Piranha 3D, which was possibly the daftest film we'd ever seen. In quite a funny way. The first half is almost like a soft porn film about a frat boy spring break, then the second half is a butcher fest where everyone gets torn limb from limb! In 3D. It was hilarious.

And now the tour diary is empty.
It is. Although we do still hope to have some more shows this year. That's very much a possibility. Watch this space.

So, when will you expect to have finished the album?
I imagine by the end of this year, really. But, as ever, I'm sure we'll work until the last minute if we can.

Right, readers' questions. Lisa would like know if any of you are stroppy at times and, if so, how the others deal with it.

Well, I'm sure we all have our paddy moments. One thing which winds Dan up a lot is during gigs, when he likes a black out on the lights at the point when he jumps off the amp and lands on his knees, so that people don't see him clambering back up to his feet. Inevitably the black out seems to come once he's back on his feet. But, I shouldn't just highlight Dan. We do all definitely have our moments.

Emily wonders if you like cheddar cheese.
I love it, yes.

That's that one sorted then. Nikki has heard that the band have recorded a version of In The Year 2525 for a charity release. She'd like to know when it will be available.
We did that ages ago. Is it not out yet? I'm not sure when it will be, to be honest. Presumably at some point.

David would like to know if you've heard Kerry Ellis's version of Love It When You Call and, if so, what you think of it.
Ah, she's the country singer, I think. I heard a bit of on YouTube. She did it with Brian May. It sounded cool. It's funny, because the guitar playing on that song was very much inspired by Brian May's Queen playing in the first place.

Cat asks if you remember passing Jack Dee on his way out of a pub in London.
Er, no. I don't remember that. In fact, I have no idea what she's talking about. Sorry.

Moving swiftly on, Nick would like to know if there's a song you'd like to have played at your funeral.
I suppose I try not to think about stuff like that. I guess you'd either go with something uplifting, or something string-based and tear-jerky. I'm not sure which way I'd go, to be honest.

Jeremy asks what your favourite cake is.
A good sponge cake is always nice. And I love a good chocolate cake. In fact, I used to love chocolate cake with Cadbury's buttons on the top.

Richard asks if there's anything you regret?
Oh, lots of things. But I do agree that it's better to regret something you did do than something you didn't.

Final question is from Gina, who wonders whether you have a middle name.
I do indeed. It is David.

CDJ.
That's me!