PETER HOOK, the iconic Manc rock figure responsible for the trademark strafing bass runs all over New Order's best work, is again thrusting his low-slung bottom-end at us in the form of the shiny new second Monaco album

   Hooky has again enlisted his former Revenge and Monaco partner - the angel-voiced David Potts - on vocals. 'Monaco', on the new Papillon label is the result, a moody affair that mixes lush house with more dark and brooding soundscapes. The band's career high to date has been 1997's infectiously catchy UK Top 10 single 'What Do You Want From Me?' off the UK Top Ten 'Music For Pleasure' (Polydor) album which sold a very useful 500,000 copies thank you very much.

   And the news is out that New Order are recording a new album but for now revel in the sonic playground that is Monaco as Music365 brings you the wisdom of Hooky and Pottsy.

   This new album's the first on your new label. What happened with Polydor? Were you dropped or did you drop them? Wasn't it weird to be on them anyway as stalwarts of the indie scene?
PH: Not really because we were in pretty good company: Cast, Gene, Ian Brown. The guy who was in charge of the indie section had himself quite a good roster. He lost them all one by one and then because Polydor decided to go commercial.
RH: You were label-less for quite a while then?
PH: Sort of jilted at the altar. We went down to London and finished the record and then it just got rejected which was a bit heart-breaking because we thought it were a good record. The label that we're on now Papillon is more independent. It's much more small, cottagey

   Have you met label-mate Cliff Richard yet?
PH: No. Looking forward to it though. In fact I'm doing a duet with him for Christmas.
RH: That'll be the Christmas number one?
PH: In Botswana probably.
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   Is there a new Manchester scene with Badly Drawn Boy and Doves. Is it just like 1990 all over again?
PH: Well I've not heard Badly Drawn Boy but I have met him and he looks like he needs a good wash. I always admire uncleanliness in a man. I've known the Doves for years and I do like that album: cross between Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead which quite appeals to me.
DP: You can hear the Smiths in there and New Order in there.
PH: Hopefully yeah. It'd be wonderful for it to start up again. Music's gone through a very doldrum, very Barbie type period. Everyone being all pretty and "we're all having such a great time." How can Steps have a great time all the time? Don't they ever get pissed off? Wouldn't you really love to come in one day and say "yeah I'm really pissed off today. them kids are gettin' on my tits."

   What kind of stuff are you listening to at the moment though?
PH: Mostly dance but the funny thing is we've just moved house. I just got all me records out and was playing records. I tell you they sound miles better than CDs, apart from scratches.
DP: Tim Harding, I've been listening to a lot. France Gall.

   This new album, apart from a couple of footstomping floorfillers sounds
quite mellow. Is that a new direction?
PH: I think it's quite relaxed and confident. It's not punky. To my mind it's quite smooth.
DP: It depends what other influences are around at the time that you incorporate.