The Capitol Years has been building its legend in Philadelphia throughout the decade, going from a vehicle for songwriter Shai Halperin to a full-fledged national rock act. The success started with tours for other national bands with minor success before gaining acclaim as openers for the legendary Pixies in 2004.

The band's newest release, Dance Away the Terror, was released Tuesday, and the band is about to embark on a national tour, including a stop in State College. Shai Halperin, the leader of The Capitol Years, answered some questions about the new album, the band's burgeoning success, and of course, Super Mario Brothers.

You have a new album out. What's different about this album as compared to your others?

This is the first album in a while that we did ourselves; we produced it ourselves, recorded it ourselves. A lot of it was done in a small room. We were able to take our time with it. Sometimes we make a record and after a few months or a year, you can't really listen to it anymore. This one doesn't have that. We used to be more focused on melodies, but this one has more of a visceral feel to it.

Is this the definitive Capitol Years album, then?

It is, for the moment. We're always shifting around a bit. We've never been into making a few records that sound the same. It's definitive for the moment, sure. If everybody flips out over it, I'll definitely say it's definitive, yeah.

You guys are sort of in-between regional fame and national fame. What's that in-between period like?

We've sort of always been in an in-between period. As soon as we started, we were already looking to get big outside of Philadelphia. We definitely do well locally, and we love the city, and we're supportive of all the bands. You could call us national from the get-go, but it's all relative.

What gave this album its visceral feel?

I think what set it off apart from the songs we were working with was working at home. Compared with a band making it at their own studio, making it at home tends to shape how the record turns out at the end.

Does that mean this album will sound better live?

It's not so much better, because there's something better about listening to the record, and there's something people like about seeing the band live. The songs will sound different live, of course.

Are you more comfortable in studio, or playing live?

Again, it's not one or the other. They're different beasts. We're comfortable and uncomfortable in each for different reasons. Generally we're comfortable in both.

You're playing a show in State College soon. Is it hard to build a fan base in an area where the population is constantly changing?

You just sort of count on people who are into music in general. They know what's out there, and they come and see you regardless.

You said you've toured nationally. Is it harder to build an audience in California than it is in the region?

It's harder because you play more often regionally, so there's more opportunities for people to hear about you and see you. It depends on how well the record does for people to hear about you and see you.

Are you more the type to pursue other artistic venues, or are you more focused on The Capitol Years?

Lately I like playing with other bands; we get a chance to play with other friends. We definitely get some new experience into our veins than just The Capitol Years.

If you were any Beatle, who would you be?

I'd end up being George.

Why's that?

I'd probably try to be John, and end up being George.

Does that mean you want to be John, but you can't do it?

It's not not being able to do it, it's just fate and circumstance. Maybe I could do both. Maybe I could do all four.

Which Mario Brothers game is your favorite?

I guess number two, on the original Nintendo. Playstation is the one I play the most now. They get a little weird after that. Mario in the Matrix, Mario in Iraq.