Listening to Animal Eyes can be a lot like walking through the wilderness. Many of the band's lyrics give a nod to nature, mentioning both flora and fauna. Aided by energetic guitar chords, a thumping beat and crash of other instruments, their songs build a scene of adventure.

Originally hailing from the Last Frontier of Alaska, the quintet now call the forested city of Portland, OR home. In late spring, they self-released their second album, Where We Go. The disc further expands their rock sound, bringing in more diverse influences while at the same time grounded in life-changing events various members of the band went through during its creation. The 11 tracks range from mesmerizing to trippy. Even with the presence of a couple of piano and string-based ballads, the band still retains the curious and exuberant spirit that's been there since the beginning.

We spoke with member Tyler Langham about the path to the new album and other inspirations.

Hometown: Homer, AK

Homebase: Portland, OR

If you could describe your new album in five words, what would they be?

Learning, awkwardness, joy and the Sadness.

You were all processing a lot of real life events and loss during the making of this album. Do you feel like you learned things/came to a higher understanding through/because of what you were creating? If so what?

Yes, we did a lot of self-excavation with these songs. We were all processing different losses. There’s so much deconstruction that needs to happen after a long term relationship ends. You end up building a significant part of your self-identity around the person you’re with, and after it’s over, its surprising how much of you was built around that other person. Then it’s a process of rebuilding and rediscovering who you are now that you’re not with them any more. It’s weird, and awkward. Maybe it’s integral to the human experience, since so many cultures seem to include love, loss and sex in their mythologies.

How do you come up with your song titles?

We let them emerge naturally. Sometimes they come from lyrics, sometimes from space, sometimes from getting bored with an original title and then twisting it until it’s interesting again.

Nature themes appear in song titles and lyrics. Is that intentional? Why do you think it weaves its way in and what about nature do you relate to and/or feel inspired by?

To a certain extent, we let the songs write themselves, which means getting out of the way a bit when the lyrics want to be a certain way. A kind of "bubble up out of the subconscious" kind of thing. Our subconscious-ies are filled with lots of nature stuff from Alaska. I’m sure it has something to do with that. The nature images are what we have to work with in the mind basement. Sometimes I think it’s not great to think too much about it, because there might be a certain value in letting your inner world emerge into the outer world in the way that it chooses to. Learn more about yourself that way.

What impact do you think living in Portland has on your band? How much of your identity remains shaped by Alaska?

We are constantly inspired by the musicians and artists that live in Portland. Our sound has become what it is by the inspiration of other Portland bands. Alaska doesn’t directly affect us, but we still feel the influence on a subconscious level for sure. With thoughts of vastness and open empty spaces and looking to the natural world for understanding the inner-personal world.

What are the pros and cons of touring?

Touring is always a rich experience. So surreal. It’s exhausting cause you never know where you’re staying, showers can be few and far between. We eat out of the garbage as much as gas station hot dogs. It’s also great meeting people all over the country. So many amazing people open their doors and showers to give five stinky dudes a roof to sleep under. Cons are not getting enough sleep, driving long hours, ridiculous band fist fights over the last stale bagel.    

Say you were booked to play a zoo. Which exhibit or habitat would you soundtrack and why?

The place where the elephants mate cause that’s really beautiful.

Your sound continues to shift. How would you like to see your music progress?

Better….Develop and become more clever with our song craft. Use less cryptic, abstract lyricism.

What are your big picture goals for the band?

Pay off our student loans. Become rich. And if all that fails, continue to write music we’re excited about cause that’s ultimately what makes us happy.