Major writing blocks not problem for Senses Fail

Buddy Nielsen, lead vocalist for post-hardcore aggro band Senses Fail, said the band hasn't had any major writing blocks or ideas for music.

"Granted, we have only three releases out," Nielson said with a little laugh. "But I guess when you start making seven or eight albums, you start to run out of ideas. We're not there yet. And we don't want to be."

Senses Fail — with Nielson, bassist Mike Glita, drummer Dan Trapp, guitarist Garrett Zablocki and new guitarist Heath Saraceno (formerly of the band Midtown) — released its new album "Still Searching" in October.

The recording process, said Nielsen, was more meticulous. "When we did the previous album 'Let It Enfold You,' we didn't feel like we did it very professionally. So this new album was a way for us to make a more cohesive set of songs.

"Lyrically, we have matured. And I think, musically, we have, too. We had most of the songs on demos before we got into the studio. So there wasn't a lot of time spent writing while the clock was ticking."

With this album, Senses Fail plans to focus a lot of touring in Europe. "We are an American band, but we want to be able to make a presence in the U.K. and the other side of the globe. For some reason, it might be because it's a smaller scene, but the music community is tighter over there. And when we do play there we get a huge reception."

Still, touring the Western Hemisphere and then hopping on a plane for a 16-hour flight to England, and touring Europe and Japan, does have its drawbacks. "It's hard," said Nielsen. "And after that, we usually fly to Australia. It's great because we're traveling the world, but it's hard on our health — physical and mental.

"And that's where I'm a little different than the rest of the guys. I like to take some time off to be alone. I've got my X-Box 360 on tour and usually go play by myself because the others don't play video games as much. It's good to be alone sometimes. That way I can regroup my thoughts and become refreshed for whatever will come next."

If you go

What: Senses Fail, The Living End, Bleeding Through, Saosin, I Am the Avalanche

Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West

When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

How much: $16.50

Phone: 467-8499 or 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com