Steven Roback’s New Band Not Tied To Rain Parade

Rain Parade leader Steven Roback sees his new band, Viva Saturn, as more of an evolution than a break from his past. While his songs still wear their mid’-60s psychedelic influences (“Revolver”-era John Lennon, Love, Pink Floyd) on their collective sleeves, they sound less self-conscious and more integrated.

Fans can hear for themselves beginning July 11, when Viva Saturn’s second album, “Brightside,” is released by Restless Records.

“This band is more of a democracy,” Roback says, adding that his contribution is more editorial in nature. “I bring in the songs, let the musicians (Matt Piucci and John Thoman, guitars; Billy Blaze, drums; and Gary Eaton, bass) do what they want to them. I keep the good stuff and take the rest out.”

One advantage to this method, he says, is that the band’s music sounds more “assured.” “I like the way the band can move from softer, tripped-out stuff to real crunchy guitar noise,” he adds.