"I'm writing stuff again," Labonte says. "It's awesome. I love playing guitar. I love Mesa Boogie cabs and Peavey 5150 heads. I love Mike's blonde Washburn, it sounds so f***ing awesome. There's just one problem: When you got a sweet sounding guitar and amp even dumb s***ty riffs sound heavy. Ha ha, I've written a couple of stinkers with an amp then play them in my room without an amp. I'm like, 'am I f***ing stupid? I liked that?' But I digress. ATR started because I missed playing guitar (for those that don't know). I love when I get the chance to sit down and play. I kinda suck still, cause until the last week or two I hadn't played since we finished [The Fall of Ideals], but I don't care 'cause the guitar sounds so good!

"I've been writing lyrics too...Lots of pretty positive stuff. I'm a pretty positive dude anyway. But things have been really pretty good lately and it's really coming through in the new stuff. I believe that with conviction and honesty with yourself you can achieve pretty much anything you're willing to work for. So don't get a job. Start something. Be something. It's not gonna be easy but it's gonna be way better than busting your ass to make someone else money. Work for yourself. But again I'm off the subject. Lyrics to the new record are gonna give you something to feel good about. 'Cause there's always plenty of stuff you make ya feel s***ty.