Take Five with The Alternate Side: Silversun Pickups

Although Silversun Pickups has seen its share of indie rock mainstream success, thanks to singles like "Lazy Eye" or "Panic Switch,"  the Los Angeles quartet isn't content staying on a predictable path.

For its third album, Neck of the Woods, out now on Dangerbird Records, Silversun Pickups strayed on a darker, dreamier road, influenced as much by frontman Brian Aubert's affection for scary movies and contemplative late-night walks as by its new producer, Jacknife Lee, who has worked with U2, Editors and Bloc Party.

"I've always found the band's music to be a combination of tension and intensity, exemplified by Aubert's guitar style and vocals," observes The Alternate Side's Russ Borris who spoke Aubert and bassist Nikki Monninger when the pair came by Studio A for an acoustic session. "But, as people, Brian and Nikki weren't the least bit intense. In fact, they're actually quite funny. We joked about the band showing up to their very first gig with no songs as well as what it was like to record the new album in his hometown of Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles. The duo played a few songs from Neck of the Woods, plus the favorite "Panic Switch." Don't be fooled by the acoustic setting. These songs were still intense and definitely rocked."

Aubert, Monninger, drummer Chris Guaniao and keyboardist Joe Lester will be touring North America this summer, playing Anchorage, Alaska this Thursday, July 5, Toronto's Edgefest on July 14 and the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware on July 20.

The session with Silversun Pickups airs today at 11 a.m. EDT on 91.5 WNYE and online. You can also read interview highlights and watch video of all of the in-studio performances (which included "Bloody Mary," "The Pit" and "Panic Switch") at The Alternate Side.