Sharks and Sailors (Photo John Van)

Two years ago, Sharks and Sailors seemed an omnipresent figure in the local music scene. With live performances that blended an elegant proggy/indie-rock with a punishing volume and epic songs such as Topple The Pillar, Rickshaw, and Cliffs, the band had accumulated a bit of buzz. After their well-received album, Builds Brand New, hit the streets in 2008, the band disappeared. So it was a bit of a surprise to see that name listed on the poster for the sIngs album release show this Saturday at Mango's.

Curious, we e-mailed guitarist Michael Rollin and bassist Melissa Lonchambon to find out about the show.

29-95: Why the reunion and why now?

Michael: It's not really a 'reunion', as we never really broke-up. We just took a healthy break, which looking back it now, was probably the best thing for us. At the time of our last show (August 2008), we'd been going full throttle for three-and-a-half years; we just needed a break. It's been good for us, we're having a lot more fun now. It's allowed us the time to write some new material.

We all decided that it would be fun to do shows again when we were at last summers' Summerfest. We were all pretty much like, "Uh, this would be fun to play if they do it again next year."

29-95: How does the new material compare to your old releases?

Michael: It’s more up-tempo, catchier, weirder and more experimental sounds, shorter/tighter arrangements.

29-95: Melissa, you have a new band right now? 

Melissa: Yeah, the new band is called Omotai, with Sam Waters (ex-Kvalla) and Anthony Vallejo. It's mostly metal with some elements of grindcore. We just started playing shows, and the first EP will be released in May or June this year. We'll be playing a couple of times in May, including the benefit show for Girls Rock Camp Houston. There are some videos on youtube. 

29-95: Any other outside projects?

Michael: I play drums in Side Arms with our good buddy and former S&S-er Al Hendrix. It's fun and it jams. I've been playing drums for 20 years, so it's nice to get back on the kit. I know what Al wants on the drums, and it's fun to be playing music with him again. We've got some shows on the horizon, I think during Memorial Day weekend. 

Some people might not know that [drummer] Phil [Woodward] is a sick MC. He and I have had a hip-hop project we've messed around with for years. I also have a bunch of noise and ambient stuff I've been working on. Perhaps it will see the light of day this year?

29-95: How do y'all feel getting back in the ring after such a long hiatus?

Michael: We're really excited to play out again. We hope everybody still has earplugs, they will probably need them.

Sharks and Sailors performs at sIngs' CD release (interview here) with B L A C K I E, Young Mammals, and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone at Mango's. $8. Saturday.