The raw, lo-fi rock that fans have come to expect of songwriter Eric Balaban and The Second Academy is ever-present on their forthcoming sophomore record Bohemian Grove off of Seattle vinyl imprint Tsurumi Records. Bohemian Grove differs from the band’s debut The Grave from out of which we briefly wander however, in that it shows not just the clichéd progression that all artists intend for, but a real global shift in thought and sound for the band.

Bigger, brighter and well, ok, we’ll say it, bohemian is what this collection of songs represents as a cohesive sound, along with universal themes of acceptance and the power of surrendering to self to create the kind of change needed in the world. Throw a bit of Ghandi’s teachings in with the influence of the 1984 sci-fi classic, 2010 and fans will be inspired as much as the originators who escaped to the mythic Bohemian Grove in the past to create lasting change in the world. To experience The Second Academy is to experience them live. One can’t help but disappear in to a Bohemian Grove of theirs alone at a Second Academy concert and yet only now is that experience is finally being realized on this new record.

As art often imitates strife, SA creative force Eric Balaban may actually know a thing or two about what he’s saying on Bohemian Grove. After all, he’s been toiling in the Midwest punk underground from more than a decade. He originated from Ohio and is a founding member of the Beautiful Mothers and Chicago’s beloved The Spiveys. After moving to Seattle in 2002, his creative focus shifted toward a more singular sound and recording process. Think of the in-the-moment integrity of Guided by Voices combined with the epic arena rock sounds of Queens of the Stone Age to get a glimpse of The Second Academy’s aesthetic.

The Second Academy signed on with indie label Tsurumi Records in late 2008, a regional start-up begun by fellow Mother’s bandmate Joey Lazerhead, that also supports Tokyo punk rockers Golden and Seattle power pop act, Fonzarelli. The band officially debuted at CMJ’s Music Marathon in 2009 after receiving attention from such tastemaker stations as KUOM in Minneapolis, KEXP in Seattle and KCRW in Los Angeles. The band will tour regionally this fall in support of Bohemian Grove.

Bohemian Grove was co-produced by Aaron Mason and Eric Balaban at Bell Sound studios in Los Angeles, mixed by Jon Goff at Self Adhesive Records, Seattle WA and mastered by Barry Corliss at Master Works, Seattle WA. It will be available in digital, CD and limited vinyl in retail stores nationwide beginning November 23rd.

The Second Academy is Eric Balaban (vocals, guitar) with Brent Powell (bass), Rob Wheeler (drums), and Troy Lund (drums). For more information and/or to pre-order a copy of Bohemian Grove, please visit www.tsurumirecords.com. Become a fan of the band on Facebook www.facebook.com/thesecondacademy and/or follow them on Twitter at @secondadademy.