Recorded at 1867 Recording Studio in Chelsea Massachusetts, Mean Creek roped in Aberdeen City's Chris Ryan McLaughlin to produce The Sky (Or the Underground), an easy choice for the band given that McLaughlin fit right in. "He was like the fifth member of the band, and added so much to the recording," Mean Creek singer/guitarist Chris Keene enthuses, "he's the best."

Keene also says that in addition to McLaughlin's contributions, many different musicians have inspired Mean Creek's own music "...the Pixies, R.E.M., Bob Dylan, Nirvana, John Lennon... but there are a lot of writers and other artists who have done the same."

The Sky (Or the Underground), on which Keene was joined by bandmates Erik Wormwood (bass), Aurore Ounjian (guitar/vocals/harmonica), and Mikey Holland (drums/percussion), showcases the folk-rock band's sound, which is reminiscent of Minus the Bear or a more earthy Death Cab for Cutie on songs like "The Patient," "Radio Drought," and "Strange Man."

Keene says that the band's studio process included "giving random tours of the studio, discussing snacks, magic tricks, and Star Trek, and losing our minds at 5 in the morning." But as evidenced by the new set, they made it through all the hard work and long, late-night studio hours, and are now scheduled to promote the new disc with a tour that kicks off this December, and that will include stops in Charlotte, North Carolina (12/8), Washington DC(12/10), and Philadelphia(12/12).

"We will be opening for The Whigs and The Features on their headlining East and Southeast coast dates," Keen says, "we're super psyched! We hope to be touring non-stop to promote the new album; one venue in particular that we're super excited to play is The Fillmore at Irving Plaza in New York."

"We are big fans of The Whigs," Keene confirms, "it's such an added bonus to play with a band whose music you love. Plus, when you work so hard at writing songs, it is really rewarding to play them to people every single night with your best friends - the band - by your side. Playing every night to a different audience, seeing new places, making new friends, and overall, just being immersed in the band and music full time."

"Yeah... the best thing about touring is... pretty much everything," he grins.