Friendly Fires played a gig entirely in the dark last week. We sent Ellie Wallis to see it and chat to lead singer Ed Mac about it.

How did Pitch Black come about?

We got offered a corporate gig. We get offered a lot, and initially the money was good and that’s a selling point to be honest but the concept had nothing to do with us. We turned one down with Ray-Ban, as they wanted us to all wear Ray-Bans and you have to draw the line somewhere. Sony Ericsson sent us some night vision goggles in the post which was cool. I’m pretty sure they are only used to bird watch and perve as they only focus at a certain distance, so we couldn’t use them as the guitar players couldn’t focus on their fret boards.

How was playing to a seated audience... in the dark?

It felt like being back at school playing to assembly. I felt sorry for you, well, not sorry that you had to endure our music. It must have been weird in the audience as you can’t see anyone’s reactions and you’re a bit self conscious. But I couldn’t really see anything as my eyesight is awful.

Were you tempted to get naked backstage?

Well it would have been filmed in night vision and would have looked really disgusting.

Audiences grateful for lack of slapping cocks

Did you vote in the European elections?

I’m really awful at politics, but I’m the only one who votes in the band. I voted for the Green Party but think I need to read their manifesto on sound control.

If you had an expense account what would you spend it on?

I’d probably spend it on an amazing vintage compressor from the 1940s which would make everything sound amazing.

Ed Mac dreams of vintage compressors

How do you feel about the BNP getting seats at the European election?

It’s pretty depressing. But at least I voted, no one else fucking well voted.

How’s it going with the album? Any new stuff coming out?

Our album has been flowing around the 30s/40s mark for quite a while. It went gold last week, so we’re pretty pleased with that and we’re rehearsing our new single this week, which is coming out mid August. It's called Kiss of Life. It’s really euphoric and Brazilian and Samba inspired. We’re going to play it at Glastonbury with a full set of drums. It felt like a logical progression from Jump in the Pool.

Listen to Friendly Fires at www.myspace.com/friendlyfires

Friendly Fires will be performing on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon stage at the Secret Garden Party. More info at www.secretgardenparty.com