Rocket From the Crypt has been touted as “the band that will save rock ‘n’ roll.” Almost a decade ago, San Diego gave birth to the band that has attracted a large cultish fan base but has managed to slip past mainstream attention. The sound is the epitome of what rock ‘n’ roll should be – loud, hard and a hell of a lot of fun. The lyrics are like riddles with only one absolute interpretation: RFTC is definitely here to rock.

Here before you is the uncut version of Artsweek’s interview with bassist Petey X. As you can tell, he was really excited about this opportunity and had a lot to say about his band.

Artsweek: When most bands move from an indie label to a major label, they are called sellouts. You guys just moved from a major to an indie: How does it feel to be reverse sellouts?

Petey X: Uh, it feels great.

Yeah?

Yeah. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done.

What was behind the move to Vagrant Records?

Having someone put out our record who actually cares about the music as opposed to someone who only cares about making money.

And that’s how you felt on Interscope Records?

For the last couple years, yeah.

That’s great you guys are satisfied now.

Yeah. Absolutely.

Since you said you are concerned with a label that actually cares about the music, how has that affected the sound of the newest album, “Group Sounds,” as opposed to the ones with Interscope?

I don’t know. I really don’t see a big change, you know. We just changed ourselves, you know. The longer you play, the better you get. I don’t think the sound has really changed, I think it has a lot of all the records that we’ve done in the past kinda tied into it.

Does the name “Group Sounds” have anything to do with the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds”?

Definitely not. No.

All right, speaking of names, the title of the new movie “Mummy Returns” sounds pretty similar to Rocket From the Crypt. Do you think they are biting your style?

No, I definitely wouldn’t think that because I don’t really see it.

Well OK then. Is it true that you were in a Kevin Smith movie, or were going to be?

I think we are going to be.

Can you elaborate on that or is it strictly confidential?

It’s strictly confidential. I don’t even know how you’d hear about that. How did you hear about that?

Rumors.

Well it is strictly confidential.

We will forget it then. I know you guys have worked with and been in a lot of other bands. Does that have an influence on Rocket From the Crypt?

The other bands are the anti-influences of Rocket. Those are things we want to do that are not Rocket From the Crypt. When you have something you want to lay down that you don’t think will fit with Rocket From the Crypt, you do it elsewhere. I think this influences that rather than the other way around.

Anything special we should expect to see at the show?

Its just gonna be a really great, kick-ass, rock ‘n’ roll show.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Um, no. That’s it.

Rocket From the Crypt plays with International Noise Conspiracy and The Explosion tonight at 8 at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd. All Ages, $13.50 tickets.