Phoenix, Arizona’s Dear and the Headlights [Official Site, Myspace] have set a September 30th release date for sophomore album, titled Drunk Like Bible Times

“Regarding the unique title, bassist Chuckie Duff explained “it just makes us laugh and people are free to read whatever meaning they want into it. It’s just a good name for what it is - a party record.” The follow-up to 2007’s Small Steps, Heavy Hooves [Our Review], has already been named one of the Most Anticipated of 2008 by Alternative Press and Dear and the Headlights is certainly not going to disappoint. The album’s opener, “I’m Not Crying. You’re Not Crying, Are You?” may hint at another slow album starter (see: Small Steps, Heavy Hooves’ “Oh No”) but quickly picks the listener up in the band’s familiar piano & tambourine infused pop/indie-rock sound with comparisons to The Flaming Lips. The album’s middle and bridge is “Saintly Rows (Oh Oh)”, a haunting affair channeling Bob Dylan as each line of vocalist Ian Metzger’s lyrics trail off in a sad tone, but ultimately the song builds up to frantic piano lines and a chaotic ending. The theme of the record is most prevalent on the album’s closer, “I Know”: smooth transitions between slowed down, soulful ballads to good old fashioned rock n’ roll.

The 12-track set was recorded with producer and friend, Bob Hoag (The Format, Limbeck), at Flying Blanket Recording in their hometown earlier this summer. “Bob has been pretty influential in the overall sound and to some degree the arrangements on this record, like he was on the last record. He kind of becomes the sixth member in the studio and that works well because we trust him and he hears things the same way we do,” described guitarist, PJ Waxman.

In 2007, the band logged 162 shows on tour with the likes of Circa Survive, Straylight Run, and many more diverse artists. This past Spring, the five-piece spent just over a month opening for emo/indie powerhouses and fellow Arizonians, Jimmy Eat World. During their current headlining trek, Dear and the Headlights took the stage with Jimmy Eat World again in a support slot for 5 shows between July 15th and 20th. This fall, the band will hit the road with Minneapolis pop-rock quintet, Motion City Soundtrack, and indie/folk Indianapolis natives, Margot And The Nuclear So & So’s, for The Left Handed Forms Of Human Endeavor tour. Further touring is planned through the end of the year.”

Track Listing

1. I’m Not Crying. You’re Not Crying, Are You?
2. Bad News
3. Carl Solomon Blues
4. Willetta
5. Talk About
6. Saintly Rows (Oh Oh)
7. Flowers For My Brain
8. Now It’s Over
9. Parallel Lines
10. If Not For My Glasses
11. Try
12. I Know

Tour Dates (w/What Laura Says (Thinks And Feels))

07/25 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
07/26 Las Cruces, NM - Code Red Cafe
07/28 Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
07/29 Austin, TX - Stubb’s BBQ
07/30 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
07/31 San Antonio, TX - Rock Bottom

Tour Dates (w/Motion City Soundtrack)

9/06 Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock Café
9/07 Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues
9/08 Towson, MD - Recher Theatre
9/10 Ashville, NC - The Orange Peel
9/11 Charleston, SC - Music Farm
9/12 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
9/13 Gainesville, FL - Alachua County Fairgrounds
9/15 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
9/17 Urbana, IL - The Canopy Club
9/18 Columbia, MO - The Blue Note
9/19 Lawrence, KS - Liberty Hall

Dear and the Headlights - “I Just Do” [mp3]

Last 5 posts by Shawn M. Smith

• Goon Island = Place to Be? - October 3rd, 2008
• Want to Attend the NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, AZ? - October 1st, 2008
• Back Later...Early Meetings! - September 30th, 2008
• Getting "Imaginary" with The Happy Hollows - September 29th, 2008
• Sneak Peek at Cardinology - September 26th, 2008