Pela, the Brooklyn four-piece, had quite a year in 2007. They released their debut album, Anytown Graffiti, in April, had their music featured on the dearly departed Veronica Mars, made inroads at influential radio stations like KEXP, Indie 103.1 and WOXY, and spent most the year touring the country. They also headlined our own Unbuckled 5. In November, they decamped to L.A. to record their sophomore album and planned to spend the early part of 2008 back on the road.

Unfortunately, the band's plans suddenly came to a halt when during one of the first dates on the band's somewhat ironically titled, "There's No Off Switch On This Thing" tour at Schuba’s in Chicago, lead singer Billy McCarthy fell and sliced open his hand on a broken pint glass. The tour was immediately postponed while Billy flew back to NYC to have surgery. Luckily, the operation went well, and after a bit of rehab, the band are about to hit the road again. We spoke to guitarist Nate Martinez in advance of tonight's show at the Rock and Roll Hotel, the first date of the rescheduled tour.

What's it like gearing up for a tour and then having it scrapped a few dates in?

We were pretty excited to head out on that tour, for many reasons - We had our new keyboard player, Herbie, joining the band and it was our first tour as a five piece, and we had new songs prepared to play. In addition, we had been going through a lot of change. We ended our relationship with our management and were trying to terminate our record contract.

So for us, touring was an escape. And next thing you know, Billy gets injured. It felt like we couldn't get a break. We needed to get in touch with some Voodoo priests and shake the black cloud over our heads. We were pretty shook up, and Billy's looking at his hand, questioning whether he's going to be able to play guitar again. I'd say it was a low point.

What did you do during your down time?

Everyone regrouped, stayed positive, and supported Billy the best we could.

Late last year you went into the studio to record a new record. What can you tell us about it?

It's great. It's unfinished but we're going back into the studio in July and August to finish it properly. It's pretty different compared to Anytown, in a good way. When you hear it you might think, oh that sounds like Pela, they must be eating their Wheaties.

You mentioned that the band parted ways with your label after the last record. What brought that about? Are you looking to sign a new deal with a new label or are you going to go it alone for a bit?

Yes, we've parted ways. We had a lot of different opinions on things and some needs that couldn't be met. I'm not really sure what's in store for us but the most important thing right now is finishing the album. The idea is to release it in very early 2009. In the fall it looks like we'll be heading over to Europe for the fist time, which is pretty exciting for us.

You added a new band member in keyboardist Christopher Herb. What does he bring to the table?

Herbie brings cool keyboards and sounds, a sunny disposition, another perspective, and a kickass cheese platter.

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Pela play the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with Fever and Red Racer. Doors are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.