The band formed in 2001, with the girls at the tender ages of 15 and 16 and over the next three years would independently release three EPs. Not long after graduating in 2004 they signed to Geffen. So what was the band's writing process and influences that helped them get the label interest?

"Pretty much everything and anything that happens in my life influences me," begins Z. "Anything I'm reading, watching and experiencing. I lock myself in a closet, where I can't be seen or heard by anyone for miles and miles and you know write the song. Then we practice and arrange it together and everyone writes their part and they make it moderately passable at least."

"She brings the skeleton and the organs," adds Tennessee. "She gives us the body and we put the clothes on it and makeup and we fashion it."

Z turns to her friend with and almost surprised, yet grinning look on her face. "That was quite visual," she explains.

So, not long after the record deal the girls hit the road and toured with Maroon 5 and Phantom Planet. Interesting choices, particularly if you've heard the debut EP 'What I Say and What I Mean'. So which did they prefer?

"Kings of Leon!" shouts Charlotte, which causes Z to laugh.

"They were so completely different, like in every possible way," starts Z, which unites the girls in laughter. "All the tours have been on have been ridiculously total opposites so they're all been weird and surreal."

"This year we've been on tour with Tori Amos and Kings of Leon. How weird is that?" asks Tennessee.

In the press biog there was reference to riots in Paris 1968. Was there any chance that you'll be influenced by the riots of the moment? >>