Phonolux returns with a hot sophomore album

"I don't think any of us has ever been to Nashville," says Romero. "Nope," everyone agrees.

The album could have been named Biloxi Shoes, for all they care. What they're interested in is in achieving the best possible sound, which is the biggest reason they don't play more often and will release the new album at the 502 Bar.

"We're asked to do a lot of gigs but we won't take them because we know the sound's going to be horrible," says Guillermo. "It's kind of been a disadvantage for us because we don't have a huge fan base that sees us all the time. At the same time, do we sacrifice our sound to just play a lot? The answer is no."

"It's not that we're shoving our nose at other places or bands," clarifies Novak. "But every other venue in San Antonio isn't really set up for keyboards, and we have two. Most people just stack their Marshalls up and the only thing they need a P.A. for is the vocals. That's not the case for us. I don't think most venues know how to handle [two keyboards]."

So they stick to their plan: take their time writing and recording, and only play where they know they're going to sound great.

"We'd love to go on tour or be signed to a label and make a living, but what we want the most is make music that, when you sit back and listen, takes you to an unforgettable experience," says Calvo. "I'm not saying the music is not important for other bands. We love many of our most popular local bands. All I'm saying is that, for us, it's even more important." •

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