“At this point now, [because] we’re back with the original members, I don’t think I could see us continuing on as Taking Back Sunday if anyone left,” confesses Lazzara. Guitarist and backing vocalist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper left Taking Back Sunday following their first release and became strangers to long standing original members Lazzara, guitarist Eddie Reyes and drummer Matt O’Connell – only to become reacquainted nine years later. This turn of events that saw the band reunite begs the question as to whether the original lineup would have indeed proven sustainable if Nolan and Cooper had off persisted, as Lazzara discloses that conflicts with members Reyes and O’Connell are easily resolved due to their long-term relationships. But Lazzara affirms that Nolan and Coopers’ departures were just as important as their return.
“When you just spend so much time around someone, you’re so familiar with one another [so] you know when to back off and give them space or when to move in closer… [But] we all needed that time apart just so each one of us could go through our own personal journeys to get to where we are now.”
And while the band’s initial chemistry has been verified by their reunion, it seems it was the timing that wasn’t quite right when the young band burst onto the scene.
“Everything happened rather quickly [back then], I think we all just didn’t know how to handle it. We were all kind of growing in different directions. We’re all a little bit older and a little more mature now, which makes all the difference.”
Now more secure as individuals and assured of their status as established musicians, the band takes a more collaborative and adventurous approach to crafting their music.
“Now everyone’s a lot more confident both with themselves and with each other so it’s actually made the songwriting process a lot smoother. There’s nothing we won’t try.”
Despite the band dynamics mirroring that of the Tell All Your Friends day, by no means did the band simply pick up where they left off; but rather resolved to begin again, a decision evident in 2011’s self-titled full length.
Proud of the new release, Lazzara is grateful for the second chance to create with Nolan and Cooper, and still marvels at the fact the fortuitous opportunity presented itself.
“I really have no idea [how it came about],” he laughs, “But I’m thankful that it happened.”
Lazzara asserts that he’s also appreciative of the time spent writing the band’s previous successful albums with former members Fred Mascherino (Where You Want To Be, 2004 and Louder Now, 2006) Matt Rubano (Where You Want To Be, Louder Now and New Again, 2009) and Matthew Fazzi (New Again) and says his experience with such talented musicians has enabled an advance in the band’s songwriting.
“It’s always really awesome to be able to work with different, creative people because everyone has a different approach. It doesn’t so much change [your] style or approach to [songwriting] but you pick up things along the way.”
Older fans are ecstatic about the reformation, particularly the reunion of vocal team Lazzara and Nolan. Always approaching composing lyrical content collaboratively, working with Fred Mascherino (ex-guitar) on previous albums, Lazzara worked with his first wordsmith partner, Nolan, on the new record. Taking Back Sunday are renowned for their powerful, emotional lyrical material, and it’s almost difficult to fathom how such personal pieces can be created by multiple members, but Lazzara says this method offers a masked advantage.
“There are times where I’ll be writing about one thing and John [Nolan] would be writing about something different – but somehow when we put it together it just works. I just think that’s one of the cool things about any kind of art in general is that it’s just open to everyone’s interpretation.”
Preparing for his three-year-old son’s birthday celebrations, Lazzara recognises that while being older has been advantageous in terms of cooperating as a united band, it’s also makes touring more challenging when juggling other priorities.
“I’m still trying to figure it out,” Lazzara laughs, “It’s a work in progress.”
Fortunately for fans, altering his direction seems impossible to Lazzara, and continuing Taking Back Sunday and life as a musician appears to be the only path he’s considered following in the future.
“I’ve just been doing this for so long I really can’t picture my life doing anything else. At this point, none of us know how to do anything else. We’ll just keep on keeping on.”
BY KIM CROXFORD
