Currently on tour opening for Aussie rockers Airbourne, guitarist Dan Hawkins found time to talk to the Diss Express.

After The Darkness fell apart there was never any intention for him to quit the music business and he said: "I've been in bands and involved in music all my life, so what else was I going to do?"

The band recorded their debut album Silver Spoons And Broken Bones at Hawkins' studio, Leeders Farm in Spooner Row.

"It was basically a test run for the studio and I did a lot of production and engineering, consequently learning a lot about both the band and the studio itself," he said.

Since its release, there has been universal praise for the album

"Once you've had some success people look at you more critically, so we're really pleased with the reaction to it," said Hawkins.

Blessed with a great sense of melody, Stone Gods' material is heavier than anything by the Darkness.

And that is a team effort, according to Hawkins: "Richie brings a heavier side to things and Toby brings something punky, a little more rough around the edges."

The band seems to be enjoying life and recently added drummer Robin Goodridge permanently to their ranks (replacing the ill Ed Graham).

"Oh yes, he's a great drummer and a really good guy," said Hawkins.

"It's not all been plain sailing though and we've had a few disappointments. Ask any band at any level and there's always stories of struggles behind the scenes.

"But when we get together there's such a great sense of humour and we're always laughing.

"It's a lot of fun and it's exciting being in the band."

So, what do Stone Gods want to have achieved in the next year? "We'd love to be breaking through in America and are currently working on things there," said Hawkins.

"A lot of time needs to be committed, so it's a case of sorting that schedule out. I'd love for Stone Gods to be headlining at the UEA though."

They take a step in that direction this Sunday when they support Airbourne at the Norwich venue.