Kevin Calaba says his band is in a good place right now, and the future is wide open.
"We've been moving forward as fast as we can," Calaba said by phone from Minneapolis. "We're not looking to stop anytime soon."
The band, called Stars of Track and Field (from a Belle & Sebastian song), is comprised of Calaba on vocals and guitar, guitarist Jason Bell, and drummer/programmer Daniel Orvik. They have recently released their second full-length album, "Centuries Before Love and War," through Wind-Up Records.
The album was recorded for another label, but Wind-Up released it, said Calaba. "It was cool, because Wind-Up didn't have anything really to do with this album. We had originally recorded it for another record label, and (Wind-Up) didn't ask us any questions and released it."
Stars of Track and Field has spent the past seven years honing its style — harmonic rock and pop with a dose of electronica. And there was even a line-up change when bassist Moxley Stratton left the band almost two year ago.
But instead of looking for a replacement, the band members adjusted their playing within the band, allowing it to become a three-piece. "There is some difficulty doing what we do," said Calaba. "But when you want to follow a passion, you do all you can to to do it. It may be tough, and you may ruffle a few feathers along the way, but if you believe in what you're doing, there isn't any way to really stop it."
That tenacity has paid off. The band has experienced a series of milestones, including opening for the Smashing Pumpkins. "That was definitely a huge step for us," said Calaba, who cited Led Zeppelin, Hank Williams Jr., Simon & Garfunkel and The Doors as some of his influences. "And it gave us a nice personal confirmation to why we do what we do."
If you go
What: Cary Brothers, Mother Mother, Stars of Track and Field
Where: Burt's Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State
When: Thursday, 8 p.m.
How much: $8
Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com