During their biggest UK tour to date, Bombay Bicycle Club tell their former classmate Lara Tinay about life on the road.

With their big break in 2006 opening the V Festival after winning a contest, Bombay Bicycle Club have been working  hard ever since. Two EPs, three singles, one full-length album and a whole lot of gigs later and it seems like they might finally have shaken off the 'Schoolboys' image they've been plastered with since they first entered the scene.

Contrary to his position as lead singer and guitarist in Bombay Bicycle Club now, Jack used to play his beloved bass guitar. When asked whether he gave up the bass willingly, he's emphatically wistful.

"No I wish I still played bass.  It's still the best instrument in the world. And it means I wouldn't have to look after myself as much on tour because I wouldn't have to sing; I could just play bass."

However much he may regret having to look after his voice, it has most certainly evolved into one of the defining stamps of Bombay Bicycle Club's music, but he hasn't always been so confident in his vocal ability.

Initially recording solo instrumental tracks with his bass, Jack was pushed into vocals when Bombay Bicycle Club was formed and they needed a singer.

"It took a long time because I didn't think I could sing... but then if you keep trying you kind of realise it sounds OK. And then when we started a band someone had to sing... so I did," he explains with a wry smile.

Questioned on the origin of his unique singing style and any vocal influences, he replies simply, "I think your voice can sound like a lot of people but not on purpose. Because there is no way to sing; it's just how my voice is."

Passion from a lead singer is important to him and he mentions how he admires Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse's vocal delivery, stating that "he really believes what he's singing".

At the O2 Academy later on, Jack's yearning, quivering vocals fill the cosy upstairs of the venue, resonating with old fans and winning over new ones alike.

This is the biggest UK tour they've done to date, and drummer Suren happily reports that although they've been playing the same kind of venues for quite a long time now, this is the first time they're actually selling out. So this is an exciting time for the band, but how are they finding life on the road?

Jack doesn't sugar coat the experience.

"It's fun... It's absolutely exhausting and very claustrophobic because we're just on a tour bus with these tiny little bunk beds. It's really fun."

But Suren isn't quite so jovial: "I'm not enjoying it very much to be honest. I usually find it alright but for some reason on this tour I'm finding it too intense." The tight schedule makes it hard to get away, and Jack comments that although being on tour is a good time to write songs, it's also difficult to find a quiet place.

Perhaps a drawback of breaking into the business at just 16, Bombay Bicycle Club have had to put any ambitions for university out of their minds for the moment, even though Suren admits that they probably all do want to go t some point.

"Obviously we don't want to be really old, but yeah, one day..." It's a tricky subject since they are also determined to make the most of this unique opportunity.

Jack reasons, "I don't think there'll ever be a collective agreement so the question is if one or two people leave will the other two carry on? But we're not thinking that much about the future because there's no point. Just take it as it comes."

These boys though aren't the power-hungry world-domination types. When asked if they ever see themselves playing a venue such as Wembley Arena, Jack and Suren both shake their heads assuredly.

"I don't think I'd enjoy it that much. I really really like playing this size of venue where it's really intimate and you can reach out and the fans are actually just there," says Jack honestly.

Suren adds with a grin, "I think our manager was joking about booking a venue like Wembley Arena for three or four years' time."

Jack laughs, "I don't think we're that type of band; that's the simple answer."

Thank goodness for that. Tonight, for their sold-out Bristol gig, they were all smiles - contrasting with their melodies and riffs that so often have a melancholic edge. Intense as touring may be, this is clearly what makes it all worthwhile. Does it feel like a job yet?

Jack thinks for a moment.

"Hmm... a job where you wake up at like one in the morning, get lots of free alcohol, play to lots of people...," he pauses and adds grinning,

"No, it doesn't."