Racecar shifts into a new gear

By JOHN BENSON

entertainment@vindy.com

Over the past seven years, pop-punk act Racecar Backwards has been the purveyor of familiar (albeit clich d) Warped Tour sounds; however, the Johnstown, Pa., band decided to show off a different side with its latest effort, “Long Live the Optimist.” In fact, bassist Lucas Staib is not afraid to use the M word when it comes to describing the band’s third studio release.

“This is definitely our most mature album,” said Staib. “We started off the band in high school. At that time, we were definitely aiming to be like our heroes, which was Blink-182 — you know, just having a good time and partying and messing around. Now I’d say we’ve evolved more into a band like Taking Back Sunday or Brand New, where the lyrics are more meaningful, but it still has that upbeat feel to the music.

“This is definitely more of an intimate album — not so much just goofing around anymore. It’s a little bit heavier, a little bit darker and more intimate lyrics, but it still has the same fun feel that all of our old stuff has.”

Staib points to new tracks such as the piano-synth laden “Invincible” and intricate “The Jig” as epitomizing Racecar Backwards’ growth. Another example of how the act has strayed into new territory can be found with its unexpected cover of Lady Gaga’s hit single “Just Dance.”

“It’s definitely a heavier rock version,” Staib said. “My brother Dylan, who recently joined the band as a second guitarist, played it acoustically at coffee-house performances. We decided it would sound awesome with some drums behind it, so we started jamming to it, and people started liking it. Right from the beginning when we play the first four notes, everyone realizes Lady Gaga and asks where is this going? And then it explodes open. It’s kind of fun.”

After playing a gig in Girard last month, Racecar Backwards returns for its Youngstown debut Friday at Cedars Lounge.

“We’re not necessarily trying to melt your face or making you want to cry,” Staib said, laughing. “Not to say we don’t have angry or sad songs, but we’re more into wanting you to have a good time and just dance around a little bit.”