Lansing-based outfit delves deeper into rock ’n soul on second LP

Now on its second LP, the Conspicuous Bystanders continue to perfect its brand of dramatic rock ’n roll that is powerfully gritty yet dynamically soulful. The new LP, “Lies to Pacify,” which was recorded at Willis Sound near Ann Arbor and pressed on blue vinyl, offers up eight perfectly executed tracks that effortlessly teeter back-and-forth between blistering rock and delicate ballads. 

This new disc, out today, is a follow up its 2018 debut, “You Can Have It All,” which also features band members guitarist Emmet McGuire, lead vocalist Jenna Roark, drummer Zachary McKinney and bassist Duncan Tar. For location information on the group’s secret release show on July 10, visit conspicuousbystanders.com or find the Lansing-based band on Facebook. Roark chatted with City Pulse, here’s what she had to say.

What inspired the title of the new record, “Lies to Pacify”?

Jenna Roark: It’s a lyric that sort of popped off the page. When looking to name the album, one line stood out more than any other with its ability to encapsulate the running theme, “We’re sold lies, meant to pacify our minds, but we gotta fight.” It seemed such a natural fit, and when listening to every song the title becomes more defined.

How does this new one compare to “You Can Have it All,” your first record?

I think most people will find it to be a much harder and heavier, yet somehow cleaner, experience than the first. The motifs found in the second album can definitely be seen even back with the first album in songs that grapple with depression, like “Down on my Luck.” However, the frivolousness of songs like “Buttons and Electric Ladies Man” that can be found more abundantly on “You Can Have It All,” as well as the joyful ignorance experienced in our first album are harder to find in “Lies to Pacify.” Also, this new album was recorded in a studio, unlike our first, but in typical Conspicuous Bystanders fashion, there was no shortage of DIY recording techniques used to pull this one together.

Listening back to your album now, do you notice any themes or trends — lyrically or musically?

Lyrically, the first thing that comes to mind is the Nas quote, “Life’s a bitch and then ya die, that’s why we get high, ’cause ya never know when you’re gonna go.” There is a painful awareness among all of us in the band that life is indeed very difficult, but we also see the value and importance of friendship and family, in order to make it through this life with at least some degree of happiness. Musically, our biggest trend is that we apparently love to write long songs, and we love to experiment with different sounds. I would say we have a very free sound, interpret that as you will. 

Who all plays on the new album?

It goes without saying that all four members of Conspicuous Bystanders play on our latest LP, all members doing what they do best. Additionally, we were able to get a few special treats in this time, including the amazingly talented Jim Alfredson playing keys on “21st Century Blues.” Also, some truly incredible horn players Walter Cano on trumpet and Ben Stocker tenner sax play on the song “Loose.”

Why did the band want horns on this one?

Emmet was super into Fela Kuti at the time, which inspired an idea to write a song with an afro beat vibe. Lyrically, I took that vibe and ran with a fantastical story about what it’s like to get your party on in a party palace as fabulous as Versailles. Between the song’s whimsical sound and lyrics, we knew it only needed one final ingredient to reach its full potential. Duncan and Zach had the idea to bring in their fellow Michigan State University alumni to do the horns. Duncan wrote the horn parts with a little help from Zach. Walter and Ben proceeded to rip it up with their talent. 

Did the pandemic influence or inspire any of the tracks?

It’s hard to say for sure, but it is likely that “Tryn 2 Survive” was inspired by the feelings of being stuck in the same shitty situation as the rest of the world. But, if I’m being honest, I think the message rings true both before and after the pandemic, so who knows. We do have a new track in the works which will be on our next album that more directly references pandemic experiences.