Biv and the Mnemonics are eager to show you what they’ve been working on. The quintet is so eager that they’re releasing their sophomore album over a month early to their fans. The Pace marks the long-awaited follow-up to their 2009 debut, The Blue Orange.
The ten track LP is a happy-go-lucky jaunt of indie folk goodness akin to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. There’s a definite egalitarian vibe to the band, which claims no frontperson. Save for drummer Landon Moblad, vocal duties are shared across the board. Each track is rich in harmony.
“There’s a varied feel to it. There’s a collaborative framework,” guitarist Ben Lang tells the Appeal, “We all put in our unique flavors and add layers to the music.”
The Pace only partially picks up where the latter half of The Blue Orange leaves off, however. Much has changed for the band that was once Roy G. Biv and the Mnemonic Devices. They’ve got a shorter name and a host of new tricks up their sleeves.
“We’ve evolved. We sound different,” says keyboardist Jessie Alsop.
The recording and production process took years thanks to the busy, varied schedules of the quintet. Lang works in music promotion and distribution while Alsop is a deckhand for the Catamaran. The rest of the member’s jobs range from repairing high-end watches to writing about music.
“We were really just getting into the studio when we can. It takes us a while to settle in; it’s definitely a tricky process,” Alsop explains, “It was a big transition from my world, environment, and headspace. We really had to regroup. For the next record, I’d like to take a week and isolate in the middle of nowhere.”
“We’re definitely looking to restrict the time on the next one,” adds Lang.
Expect an ebullient performance when Biv and the Mnemonics take the stage this Saturday at Milk Bar.
“Lots of people get out and dance. We’re a ‘slosh beer on the floor’ kind of show,” explains Alsop, “That’s the show we put on. Not a lot of sad, slower songs. Our major shift is energy and spontaneity.”
Aching to hear The Pace but can’t make it to Saturday’s show? The album will be available both in stores and online April 16.
Biv and the Mnemonics’ record release party is Saturday, March 9, at Milk Bar. Doors open at 9, show begins at 9:30. Tickets are $7, sold at the door.
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