After disappearing for the latter part of 2006, The Unusual Suspects are back with their new record, the Coney Island EP.

The record is a collection of songs, all of which were written after the release of Phonograph in 2005. "I'm very proud of how this record has turned out," says vocalist/songwriter matt megrue, "lyrically, I feel like we have taken a new direction. I think this record is a little darker in theme just because of some of the things this band has endured over the last few years."

After the release of Phonograph in 2005, the band toured relentlessly, sharing the bill with such bands as Sugarcult, Hawthorne Heights, Early November, Shawn Mullins, and Flickerstick; however, the last two years have held many trials and tribulations as well.

"We had our share of producer troubles, money troubles, personal problems, you name it and we have probably been through it. We had our spells where a lot of us really weren't getting along, but that happens when you're in a band and you are around the same people for such a long period of time. But we pushed through it, and I think we've come away with a really strong, focused record." 

The album's opening track, "Ms. Steal" is an interesting take on an unrequited love for an adult-film star.

"That song was funny to write just because it was one of those songs that writes itself. I like to try and keep a little bit of a sense of humor when I write as well, and I think this song gives a glimpse into my screwed up sense of humor."

"Ms. Steal" is followed by the trippy and almost shoegazer "Something to Believe In."

"'Something to Believe In' in contrast is a very dark song. I wrote this song a few years ago when I was really struggling with who I was, with where I was, and just figuring out what it was that I believed in as a person. I'm not going to lie and say I've got everything figured out now because I still don't have a clue. Writing this song was just my way of exercising some demons."

"People, Pills, and Problems" is a raw rock song that sees The Suspects at their most natural.

"'People..." is a song I wrote a few years ago about a friend of mine who was ending a bad relationship...so bad that that it was affecting his every-day life. He wasn't able to function or concentrate or do all the normal things you have to do every day to get by."

Track 4 ("Coney Island Lullaby") sees The Suspects expand on their sound, incorporating piano, slide, and multi-layered guitar work to create their sonic ode to Coney Island.

"In all honesty, I've never been to Coney Island...but in my defense, I probably know it better than people who have been. I researched this place for a long time while I was writing this song, and in a way I'm glad that I didn't go. I see Coney Island with a weird sense of mysticism and I don't know if I would still feel the same if I actually visited it before I wrote the song."

The final track on the record, "Last American Rock and Roll Band" is eight-plus minutes of pure rock and roll. The song is a glimpse into the stuggles of being in a touring band, the music industry, and music fans.

"This is the first song that we have written where everyone really contributed in a creative role. Everyone has their fingerprints in this song somehow. Matt K. came up with some of the guitar parts, Al helped with the structure of it, and Brian even helped with some of the lyrics. So I think all of us are really proud of this song and I think in a way, it really sums us up. We like to say that it's our sampler platter...if you like that song, chances are you're going to like all the other stuff we do as well."

The band is currently writing for a follow-up to the Coney Island EP which is set to be released in 2008.  The band is wrapping up their summer/fall tour in support of the album, and have shared bills with Starfish and Coffee (Ross Childress from Collective Soul's new band) as well as Jesse Malin.