The Subways' bassist Charlotte Cooper says the band feel like "caged animals" ready to return to the stage, writes Tom Ambrose.

Along with band mates Billy Lunn and Josh Morgan, the band is renowned for the energetic and frenetic live performances and expect next month at New Slang to be no different.

"We haven't played a gig since December and it feels like forever since we last played the UK," she says.

"We feel like caged animals, we are just ready to rock out and go crazy - we are really looking forward to Kingston, it is great to play such intimate, sweaty gigs.

"It is very intense being on stage but the older we get, the more we appreciate it.

"If our performance ever started to slow down, I think we would have to stop."

Charlotte is speaking to me on the same morning she is travelling to Holland to take part in a triathlon race.

You might feel it is quite a full-on hobby for a woman who exerts so much energy in her day job and she even admits sometimes a gig can be more exhausting.

She says: "It depends on the show but sometimes you come off stage with that feeling of 'oh my god, that was the most tiring thing ever'.

"But triathlon is my other love and it has taken over my life.

"The band actually met at a swimming club when we were younger and have kept it up - I've swam in lots of great pools all over the place."

The Subways' first album, Young for Eternity, was undoubtedly the album of my youth and always means something to me, in spite of changing musical tastes.

Asking her how it feels to have been part of that, she says: "It is amazing to hear that and for it to still be around and for people to still be loving it."

Their second and most recent third album saw their sound develop into a heavier rock style which has been carried on to their upcoming fourth record, which will be produced by leader singer and guitarist Lunn.

It is also the most Charlotte will feature on vocals since their debut.

She says: "Yeah, I'm singing a couple of verses on my own, which is probably the most since Young for Eternity.

"I didn't sing as much on the second and third - there is no reason for it, but sometimes certain songs need two voices to tell both sides of the story."

But do not be fooled by the exterior of the Rock & Roll Queen bass player, her own tastes are not necessarily reflected in what she plays.

She adds: "I have always been a big fan of pop myself, Kylie has been my favourite ever since I was five."

The Subways drop into New Slang next month and look set to deliver the vibrant set they are famous for and Charlotte reckons they are in the form of their lives.

"It really is getting better all the time," she says.

"We really appreciate what we are doing and being able to see new places all over the world that you maybe wouldn't have seen if you weren't in a band.

"This is a golden time for us."

The Subways; New Slang at McCluskys, Thames Street, Kingston; May 29, doors open 9pm; tickets £6; visit banquetrecords.com for more information.