The basic theories are still there. Deconstructing rock and then reconstructing it into an interesting direction. We've definitely taken it further and into some new areas. The main difference is having Tony Lazzara (also of Sterling) on drums for the past two years and for the writing of this album. Che was also involved with the writing of this album, and wasn't really for God Save The ABPK, maybe a couple of songs. We stepped back and put together songs with him having all four members writing together.

The result is more open, natural arrangements with more layers and underlying directions, melodies, and sound. We took a really long time writing and recording eight songs and went as far as we could.

The previous albums [were done] in makeshift recording environments with 16-track recorders. This time we recorded with Jeremy Lemos at Semaphore Studio (a studio that Tony helped build) on 24-track tape, took those recordings and then did all of the vocals, overdubbed guitars, and other overdubs at my house and could use 32 tracks, and usually used all of them.

The album gets really dense and overwhelming at a number of times - and our ability to do that is attributed to both our new writing techniques and the new technologies. Then we had the resources to hire Brian Deck to mix the album. he sorted out everything we did and...put everything in it's place.

Do you have a favorite venue or city in Europe? Why?

That's hard to choose. I really liked playing and visiting absolutely everywhere there. Prague, Glasgow, Zagreb, and Den Haag were probably my favorites, but it's very hard to choose. They were just all very interesting places and beautiful. Then I think of every other place like France, Slovenia, and Italy and those were amazing as well.

How have your lineup changes (Matt / Tony) affected the direction of the band, musically or otherwise?

It's dramatically different. the band went back to a more open and rock feel like on the first EP. I think after a couple of years, Matt and the band agreed that he wasn't identifying with what we were trying to do.

That caused a lot of personal and artistic friction, and that's what caused him to leave. We were pretty surprised when he quit, but afterwards we were all kind glad it happened and it made sense. Matt is still a good friend, but our differences were frustrating for us, and for him.

Tony came into the first practice with very outspoken ideas of how he saw refining old songs and ideas for new ones - and we were very receptive. Now I play with Tony in Sterling sometimes, and we always hang out with each other constantly. It's just a more natural and collaborative process for us at this point.

What is your opinion of:

- Radiohead?

The latest Radiohead album is their best in my opinion, and I like them all very much. Their show here was my favorite of the year. I think they are the Pink Floyd of today. They mix so many sounds that I'm really into, and use them in a way that's aesthetically superior to most everyone.

- Austin, SXSW, (and SXSW favorites) ....Trail of Dead?

Austin...I like going there. It's a really interesting town, unlike the rest of Texas which is pretty culturally devoid. It's great to meet up with everyone at SXSW, drink, hang out with old friends, and play.

Trail of Dead is a good band. Those guys are funny. We used to hang out quite a bit, but I've lost touch with them over the last couple of years. They were always really fun and would show us around Austin. Last time we were there Jason was bummed because he wanted to take us out to a dance club and we were all really sick so we just went home.

What's next for ABPK, musically or otherwise? Where do you see yourselves in five years?

We've got some more music written, and some more studio equipment...we're talking about trying to do an EP all on our own.

That's all we've got planned. I'm really busy with running file 13 and betterpropaganda.com so my time is pretty much always limited. Tony and I will be working on Sterling. I know Che has some solo touring plans coming up. I've got a couple of new projects, Poison Arrows looks like I've got a release shaping up for the fall along with some appearances on some comps.

Five years from now, I hope I get to relax a little because right now I'm frantically enjoying way too many projects. I hope I'm still involved with projects that are so inspiring though. I see the band members and I all being together in some regard. Playing, enjoying each other's company. It's hard to say if it will be atombombpocketknife.

Photos courtesy theabpk.com.