Cope Park, the sophomore release from Vagrant’s Indie darlings Audio Learning Center, reflects a somber mood. It’s combination of almost grunge-like cords and stomping beats is balanced by less thrashing moments like vocalist Chris Brady’s straightforward singing style.

The trio formed in 1998 when early 90’s Seattle rock contemporaries Brady and guitarist Steven Birch were joined by drummer Paul Johnson and was quickly picked up by the label when owner Rich Egan heard a demo of the band. Two records later the band still defies the Vagrant stereotype and makes music the way they want to. I recently talked to vocalist and bassist Chris Brady on the phone while he was at home in Portland, Oregon and we discussed making new music and working with old friends.

Rockpulse: What was the studio process like for the new album?

Brady: A little chaotic. We recorded it straight into the computer in my basement. And then it was mixed by Joe Chiccarelli. We met by chance and when he heard I was looking for someone to mix it he decided to do it. We spent two days doing overdubs and then he mixed it. And so, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

Rockpulse: How would you describe the mood on the album? Where does it spring from?

Brady: Somber mood. It’s a dark record. I tended to write about whatever I was dealing with in my life. And, I can’t choose what I write about. And my main thing is being honest. It came out a dark, sad record because I was writing about things I was dealing with in my life and where I was at.

Rockpulse: How does it differ from your debut album Friendships Often Fade Away? How are they different?

Brady: It is a more cohesive album. We recorded it in the basement together. We now understand each other more. For the first album I had songs figured out in my head and they had to follow. Now we worked together. It’s more rock then the first.

Rockpulse: How did you write the sings for the album?

Brady: That’s always a hard one. It comes in all different ways. I’m a bass player. I play bass for hours and sometimes I’ll find one melodic line. Or I’ll be walking down the street and a lyric will hit me and I’ll vibe from there. The three of us get together and we happen upon a beautiful mistake, but most of the songs are about things I’m dealing with for the last couple of years. I want to write about reality, not plastic bullshit. It’s all painfully and carefully created. I spend hours and hours and finish it.

Rockpulse: What do you think your music is about?

Brady: This album is about waking up and getting through your day. It’s about tragedy, heartache, and hard times. It’s more trying to be hopeful and honest.

Rockpulse: What’s your favorite song on it?

Brady: Probably “You Get That From Your Mother.” It came together at the last moment. That one gelled for me as the last song in the studio and I put it all together. It sounds like a landscape and driving in the middle of nowhere. The lyrics are the hardest and deeply personal and they make me want to vomit. Mostly lyrics are super personal and hopefully people will get it, but I write for myself. But I am sending this stuff out there and that stuff is super personal.

Rockpulse: Do you think that Steve and yours long time friendship affects the music you make?

Brady: It probably does since we’ve known each other for such a long time. We’ve been in this band for five years and five years with anybody and playing music with them and you will be friends. He’s a super creative guitar player and understands what I do. Paul, my drummer, comes up with new things and perspectives.

Rockpulse: What’s next for the band?

Brady: We’re looking for tours. I’m finishing another song with Joe for a Vagrant compilation. And shooting a video for “Stereo,” which happened by chance because a filmmaker decided to get involved. It wouldn’t have been my first choice as the main sound, but I don’t mind. I guess I would have probably picked “Cope Park” or “The Neverwills.” But I hope people listen to the CD and make up their own minds.