Blending high-energy '90s-era alternative rock with hints of raw punk spontaneity and reckless, fun attitude, Oxford Collapse [ tickets ] has become a favorite of Brooklyn, NY's live music scene. With its sophomore Sub Pop album, "Bits," due Tuesday (8/12), the group could find itself breaking through to a bigger audience.

The new album comprises 13 songs chosen from about 30 the group wrote during the summer of 2007. (Several of the songs that didn't make the cut will appear on separate, smaller releases.) Guitarist and co-vocalist Mike Pace said he is most proud of the fact that "Bits" is a reflection of the group's collective songwriting efforts, as all three members had an equal hand in the creative process.

"This album is the truest representation of us," Pace told LiveDaily after Oxford Collapse opened for We Are Scientists at their recent sold-out show at New York's Bowery Ballroom. "I mean, if the idea is to make a record that you'd want to listen to yourself--which never really happens, but--this is the record I would want to listen to."

Oxford Collapse has earned a reputation for having bright, fun choruses steeped with arbitrary, elusive lyrics that leave it up to listener to derive some sort of meaning or point. However, Pace said that with "Bits," the band decided to be a little more forthright.

"A comment our friend made after our last record influenced our approach to writing 'Bits,'" Pace explained. "He said, 'You guys should try to write lyrics that are a little more universal, as opposed to obtuse or abstract.' So, ya know, we decided it's OK to write a love song. It doesn't have to be veiled in all these layers of hidden meaning. There are definitely a lot of 'love' songs on the record. Hopefully, they're not falling into the cliché of that idea."

In addition to love, Pace indicated there are songs about a variety of topics on "Bits," including pro-wrestling, lawyers, grandparents and a personal experience his mother had when her neighbor unexpectedly tore down a wall of shrubbery between their lawns.

"It's fun to write about things that people don't necessarily write songs about, but there is also a reason why people write about universal things, like love--they're universal," Pace said with a mater-of-fact tone.

Joining Pace in the songwriting process were bassist/co-vocalist Adam Rizer and drummer Dan Fetherson. "The way we write songs is very democratic, very collaborative," Pace said. "We go to our practice space and just jam and pick things. We do it all together--everything."

Some of the band's neighborhood musician friends also played a role in "Bits." For example, the group enlisted pal Christian Owens for vocal support on the quirky, Nashville-minded "John Blood," but she's just one of several guest artists and collaborators.

"There's a song on the record where a friend of ours wrote the lyrics and melody; there's another song where a friend of ours is playing cello and it's just Adam singing," said Pace. "We wanted to have a larger volume of options, and to try new things. "

Oxford Collapse makes a mix of music that is simultaneously nostalgic and innovative. "[People] often say our music reminds them of growing up or college. None of that is intentional at all. It just so happens that we're all fairly sentimental guys," he said. "In terms of mood, if the last record was our summer record, then this is our autumn record."

After wrapping up a lengthy stint of shows with We Are Scientists on Monday (8/11), the indie rockers will take a quick breather before taking to the road with Love as Laughter later this month.

As for the tour, audiences can expect a high-energy, good-humored performance.

"The live show is an excuse for us to go nuts and have a good time," Pace said. "You know, we come from punk rock and stuff like that. It's one of the main reasons we got into playing music--because it's so fun to go off onstage and just go nuts."