When I first met the dudes in Augustana back in early 2005, they had just got done recording their debut record, All the Stars and Boulevards and were embarking on their first-ever honest-to-god tour. They were green, to say the least, but even on that first tour, you could definitely see why they were an A&R guy’s wet dream: they had hooks for days, a smooth but authentic sound, and the obligatory handsome frontman in Dan Layus. I, of course, had my doubts as to whether they would gain any traction, after all an American Brit-pop band in 2005 couldn’t even pay to lick Pete Wentz’s boots, but three years and a few hundred thousand records sold later, the band has released their second record, Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt and look to be in it for the long haul. Synthesis correspondent Lily Moayeri had a chance to sit down with Layus recently, the results of which are now posted for your edification on the frontpage.

1. Outdated Memes

2. Shameless Linkz

3. YouTube

4. Late Breaking News