Progression is a very serious word to contend with in the world of music.

For some, it can see careers rejuvenated after years in the wilderness, whilst for others it is as regular as clockwork; a total necessity when carving out their next long-player. On the flipside, others have (arguably) made a career around never changing – whether that is actually a good thing or not depends on whom you talk to.

Funeral For A Friend have naturally progressed over their three albums to date. Formed in 2001 in Bridgend, the aforementioned necessity to progress has been a staple part of the group throughout their career. With the nu-metal scene suffocating under its own baggy jeans and key chains around the time of their birth, they’ve always had to show extra qualities from the get go.

From the raw and rocking Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation, to the polished and captivating Hours, they have shown the credentials that have seen Tales Don’t Tell Themselves become their biggest album to date.

Taking the next step to stadium-sized songs was the aim of the game, and they proved that they have the ability to move up a gear by producing an album that saw the band progress as musicians. Out went the shouting and double pedals, and in came an accomplished rock band, comfortable to push their boundaries, both musically and personally.

With their ambitions clearly heading only in one way, Bandidge caught up with guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts on the Warped Tour for ten quick questions through the power of email.

How are you coping with the Warped Tour this year?
    "So far, two weeks in, we have been having the best times. Some of the best shows we have ever played in the USA have come from playing this tour. It’s great to see some of our old friends too."

There have been some comments in the press about some of you feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of another heavy tour schedule. How have you been coping so far with it?
    "It’s been fine. The road is always pretty daunting when you see a schedule that just runs forever. But, as I said, we are having an amazing time."

Different times of the day can make or break a particular atmosphere a band is looking for with their music. How has your latest album coped with the rotating bill at the Warped Tour?
    "The new songs have gone down very well. The CD is selling great at the merch stand after the show, which is always encouraging. On a bill like Warped Tour it’s about playing the more immediate songs and balancing the set right, which I think we have nailed."

What has been the overall impression you are getting from the new album from other countries? Are some places 'getting it' more than others?
    "Generally the vibe has been great. Everywhere has their naysayers, but our general responses have been awesome."

(To Matt Davies, lead singer) Has singing lyrics that touch on the idea of something that you aren't totally comfortable with (his well documented fear of water has been publicised throughout the press thanks – in part – to Tales’… sea-faring theme) helped to either alleviate the fear, or has it pushed you in any way further, either physically or mentally?
    "He says it’s much better; he got in a pool recently apparently. Which is a big step."

There are quite a few new young bands nowadays that seem to have adopted a sound that is not too dissimilar to Funeral For A Friend – especially when it comes to the counter rhythm and counter melody sections that you are well known for. Is imitation really the best form of flattery?
    "People making carbon copies of music is never any good. That’s what slows a scene down and will eventually kill it. Music is about progression and that’s what we tried to do with our new record. Influence is the best form of flattery."

Going back to Tales Don't Tell Themselves, do you feel that FFAF really fit in to the Warped Tour because of the way that the new album seems to be directed towards stadiums and arenas?
    "I like to think that with our back catalogue of music that we are diverse enough to fit on most bills, and we have done pretty well so far."

Are there any particular artists out there that you are really looking forward to seeing, or any that fans in the UK should keep an ear out for?
    "Kids In Glass Houses are causing a bit of a stir back home which is great; also a band called Think:Fire too." [Kids In Glass Houses are supporting FFAF on their UK December tour].

There were also rumours in the press that the band could've been near to going their separate ways after the Hours album with the recording sessions for the latest album not going as well as hoped. Was this ever the actual case?
    "It was never a 'Fuck this...' kind of vibe. We just didn’t want to tread the same ground over and over again. Who would? We wouldn’t of broken up over it; it just would have taken a long time to write a record! Ha!"

Looking over your career, there doesn't seem to be any changes of personality in the band at all – How have you managed to stay so grounded? Have you ever wanted to become an arrogant rock-star?
    "We all have great families and home lives and these are the things that made us who we are today. We believe that our music is something that we enjoy doing and it doesn’t get to our heads when we get some attention. We make our music; it doesn’t make us who we are. What my answer should have been is: 'My time doesn’t warrant such an answer.' Something like that? Ha!"