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When returning to the studio to record the album, the band decided to recruit producer Jim Wirt, who produced their 1999 independent release, Greatest Hits.

“Jim actually introduced us to the better side of recording. He took us in and saw promise in us and helped us out in the beginning…So to get back to him, it seemed right and proper,” said singer Dryden Mitchell, who took the time to talk to CraveOnline while traveling to a show in Nevada.

The reunion proved to be successful. Attic takes AAF fans back to the roots of the band’s heavier days, while simultaneously introducing them to a new hybrid that combines the rock ‘n’ roll melodies of Anthology with the prowess and mellowness of 2003’s truANT. The band’s evolution and range can likely be attributed to its broad range of influences.

“I listen to Daryl Hall and John Oates, Edie Brickell, Sade, and then there’s also Metallica and Deicide…all these freaking eclectic things. So some of it is going to leak into our music,” said Mitchell.

Alien Ant Farm exploded on the music scene in 2001 with the release of their first major label album, ANThology, fueled by the massive hit cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” In the sea of bands labeled nu metal and alt-metal, AAF managed to break loose of the genre and labels with their hard rock sound partnered with both meaningful and comedic lyrics. Mitchell took their immediate success in stride and was determined not to get overwhelmed by the hype around “Smooth Criminal.”

“Will a single ever top that? Highly doubtful. But that was such a weird animal. My expectations have been to write and record as many of these songs as possible and sit back and maybe listen to them at a later time,” said Mitchell.

In 2002, the band hit the road to support ANThology. While traveling in Spain, their tour bus collided with a truck, instantly killing the bus driver and severely injuring many others. Among the most critically injured, Mitchell’s C2 vertebra was fractured upon impact. Mitchell narrowly escaped permanent paralysis, was put in traction and faced months of rehab.

Following Mitchell’s painful recovery, the band bounced back fast and returned to the studio in 2003 to record truANT. Upon the release of the record, the band faced another devastating blow – its record label, Dreamworks, was folding. Without a label, they were unable to properly promote the record and it failed to reach the same heights as ANThology. The band also faced line-up changes as original guitarist, Terry Corso, and original bassist, Tye Zamora exited the group.  Still, the band, and Mitchell, faced each blow with determination and perspective.

“We had all of these little tragedies, but I think everybody goes through some cockamamie bullshit. But I’m glad that I felt all that stuff. It was weird and it was scary, but now that I’m as better as I can be, it’s cool to have gone through that,” said Mitchell.

Returning to the studio in 2005 to record Attic, AAF was revitalized and ready to address its past tragedies, namely the bus crash, head on through its music. A topic he struggled to focus on in truANT, Mitchell is just now coming to terms with expressing these issues lyrically.

“I went through that hell and didn’t want to sit there [when recording truANT ] and dwell on it or try to go through diary entries and pull out how shitty I felt. I was excited to get over it. So I think a little bit is starting to come back to me now,” said Mitchell.

Busted, the band’s new DVD, also addresses the bus crash as well as the lighter moments that AAF has shared over the years. Released the same day as Up in the Attic, the DVD includes footage of live concert performances, all 10 of the band’s music videos, an edgy documentary, and hilarious footage of the band and their friends both onstage and off.

With the buzz around their new record and DVD growing strong, Alien Ant Farm is looking forward to touring to support the record. It’s uncertain exactly what the future holds beyond that, but fans can count on more records and possibly even some exciting collaborations. Mitchell revealed that he recently recorded a song with Nick Hexum of 311 and they are kicking around the idea of doing an entire record together.

“I like that this is my job. I can’t complain because I have many friends who are really great musicians who still have to go and do the daily grind. So it’s hard to complain when I’m driving out to Nevada to do some show as compared to being in a warehouse or something,” said Mitchell.