PITCHED somewhere between the loose revivalism of Jack White and the groove of Alabama Shakes, Rival Sons have been quietly building up a loyal following.

The American rockers possess a chimera-like character with a jazz-trained rhythm section that met at Isaac Hayes’ house, a garage-rock fuzzadelic guitar maestro and a Blues rooted street singer.

The unique style has won them a large fanbase, particularly in the UK.

Now with an invite to the legendary Download Festival on their mantelpiece, they are hoping to win over an even bigger slice of the rock ‘n’ roll cake with a headline UK tour.

Ahead of their gig in Leeds next week, drummer Michael Miley took some time out to answer questions from WoW.

Q: Your career seems to be really taking off. Why do you think that is?

A: Hopefully it's because people like what we're doing. We're submerged in a music scene that does not seem to cater to rock and roll. We're on festivals with metal bands. It's like rock is dead, but I believe it's only sleeping, as Jay, our singer says.

Q: You seem to be especially popular in the UK, would you say that it's one of your best markets?

A: Definitely. The UK started rock and roll as we know it. They borrowed from American blues and soul, turned it up, and boom: the British Invasion. In think the Brits get it.

Q: You've been invited to play the legendary Download festival in June. How are you feeling about playing at the home of rock?

A: Well, I see it as more of a metal festival, but we're totally stoked to come back and redeem ourselves after the technical difficulties we had last year. Download is one of the biggest around; it's an honour to be asked back. We're just going to keep working and playing and doing what we do. There aren't really any rock and roll festivals out there. I think everyone is so obsessed with metal because that's all they're being fed. I'm glad to be up against that challenge and rock out with my metal heads. I love metal; but that's not what Rival Sons do.

Q: Is everything on your Wikipedia page true?

A: Well, there were no failed attempts to get Jay, and we were never signed to Atlantic Records. Other than that, I'd say it leaves a lot out!

Q: Do you like English tea?

A: Earl Grey is my favourite with a little milk and honey.

Q: You filmed a video for ‘Face of Light’ in the Peak District – do you like Yorkshire and our English countryside?

A: It’s totally beautiful. It was incredibly cold that day but after seeing English countryside in movies my whole life, it was finally good to get there. It’s so picturesque.

Q: Anything to say to your Leeds fans before the show?

A: Well, considering my favourite rock album ever is The Who, Live at Leeds, I think y'all know good music! I hope we can connect and tear the roof off. I can assure you, we will give 150%; we always do.

Rival Sons play Leeds Metropolitan University on April 13.