Glaswegian four piece Jim Valentine cut a sharp set of figures – think Reservoir Dogs set to a rockabilly soundtrack. Leather jacket, slicked back quiffs, eyes hidden behind black sunglasses. You know the drill. Seeming like a gang of romancers charmed by James Dean in 1955, these rebels have found their cause.

However, their retro style halts somewhat at their sound, translating their influences in manner both contemporary and original. As purveyors of straight up, ballsy rock ‘n’ roll Jim Valentine have located the perfect balance between sloppiness and pristine dynamics. Raucous – yet totally ravishing.

Released late last year, debut track Make You Mine first introduced us to the band’s sound, driving guitars sore as goosebump inducing vocals emit a sharp coolness that grooves and beckons in the shadows. New release, double A-side Tripetta/Hello follows a similar formula but cranks up the temperature. The fuzzy glam stomp of Tripetta sees the band coming on like T.Rex and is a song so instantly catchy clicking the ‘repeat’ button feels obligatory, it’s opposite number Hello stomps just as hard, its confidence is perhaps its greatest quality. What begins with a creeping bass line is swiftly interspersed by spectral, sleaze soaked ‘Oooh’ backing vocals, instantly transporting you to Glasgow’s ominous basement clubs and setting the scene for James-John’s piercing vocals – in a similar ballpark to Mile Kane’s 60s twang.

Stadium ready, each track is as catchy as the next. Their textures are eclectic, moving from reverbed acoustic to testosterone driven rock ‘n’ roll romp and pomp, benefiting from sharp, layered production. Having toured with fellow Glaswegians Amazing Snakeheads, Baby Strange and Dexters Jim Valentine are now more than ready to top the bill, and they demand your attention.

Alex James Taylor: Despite the name, Jim Valentine is a they, not a he, right?
James McDonald: Aye mate it’s a four piece band. James John – Vocals and guitar, Charlie – Guitar, Alekzander – Bass and Carlo – Drums.

AJT: How long have you been a band for?
JM: We played our first gig in March 2014. I had some demos knocking about and wanted to start something big. It was all very effortless and the pieces seemed to fit together fairly quickly.

AJT: Where did the name Jim Valentine originate from?
JM: Jim owned an off licence that was situated next door to a florists called ‘Valentines’. They were indulging in an affair and one evening whilst driving to a secluded spot they would often frequent, Jim’s car ricocheted off an articulated lorry and ploughed into a wall, killing them both instantly.

AJT: Your look channels a strong 50’s aesthetic, what is it about that particular decade that draws you in?
JM: There’s a scene in the Wild One (1953) where Johnny (Marlon Brando) is asked what he’s rebelling against and he replies ‘what ya got?’. The 50s was the first decade in which the youth were given their own pop culture, their own music and their own identity. Rock n Roll is passion and I can’t think of anything more liberating than seeing Elvis or James Dean for the first time.

AJT: I heard that your song Hello was inspired by Richard Hell, can you tell me a bit about that song and the connection with him?
JM: I had finished I dreamed I was a very clean tramp (Richard Hell’s 2013 autobiography) around the time I wrote Hello and it    really resonated with me. It’s not just the anecdotes, it’s more that he seems to find romance in the darker shades and the dirt. It’s passionate, exciting and dangerous which is what music should be all about. We want to scare people.

AJT: The Glasgow music scene is really hitting its stride at the moment. Can you give us a few of your favourite new bands from Glasgow?
JM: There’s so many good bands in Glasgow just now. Velveteen Saints, Baby Strange and Amazing Snakeheads are dynamite. Dead Beet records are constantly putting out frightening 7” singles as well.

AJT: You’ve recently released the double A-side Tripetta/Hello, how has the reaction been from your point of view?
JM: Yeah Tripetta was the B-Side on our last record. I wouldn’t call it a release we just chucked it on SoundCloud as a free download cause it’s my favourite track. Its gathered some great reviews and people are into it but the reaction doesn’t matter either way, you can tell you’ve hit a tune out the park as soon as it’s on wax.

AJT: What was the main reason behind you forming a band?
JM: The main catalyst for starting this band was indifference to the musical climate at that time. We were going to gigs and the music was all very nice and buttoned up to the top. It was safe, no vulgarity, no passion. Posh boys playing shite tunes. Whatever happened to my rock ‘n’ roll?

AJT: Which records are always being played by the band?
JM: Electric Warrior by T.Rex, The Beatles (it fluctuates between Revolver and The White Album), Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley, B.R.M.C by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

AJT: It was just Valentine’s Day… Do you have a go-to tune for romance?
JM: Martha by Tom Waits. Or you could try a different approach and play your girl/guy a Screamin Jay 7”. Howlin’ Wolf works too.

AJT: What are your plans for 2015?
JM: Record. Tour. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Jim Valentine’s latest single Tripetta/Hello is out now on Dead Beet Records. See updates at their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter