Johnny Action Figure is expanding its sound with its new EP, moving it from up tempo guitar rock to more melodic fare.

Two of the album's songs even have music videos, which can be viewed online at http://www.myspace.com/johnnyactionfigure.

I sat down with vocalist/guitarist Chris Sheehan (senior-film) to chat about the band's recent activity.

A: We have it in our hands. It was out this summer. We've been playing relentless shows just to promote it. The official street date isn't until Nov. 28, but it's available at shows and online.

Q: From listening to tracks, it seems more pop-based than your earlier pop-punk, emo sound. Would you agree it takes your sound in a new direction?

A: It's a stepping stone from our early emo-ish, Get-Up Kids kind of sound to where we really focus on vocal harmonies. We treat that as an instrument in itself. We also wrote most of the songs for another full-length that we want to record next year. But I'll still throw this one on once a week because I still like the songs.

Q: Any favorite songs?

A: I like them all. I really like "Your Fortune's Gonna Leave You." We're shooting a video, really kind of a Wes Anderson kind of feel. Being a film major really helps.

A: I can't remember exactly how it started. We were contacted by a California record label, Orange Peel Records, and they had a connection with a Japanese label. It was going to be at no cost to us, so we said absolutely. We put a bonus track on, "Gradius," which was recorded earlier but not on our full-length. We get periodic updates, and apparently it's doing fine. They made a ringtone out of "Bay State."

A: We shot it with Dave Causa, who does a lot of the video stuff for DRP Records. We shot it over about three days, all within about 15 miles of my house. My favorite part is where the old Brendan, who's not in the band anymore, doesn't want to come, so the other Brendan bribes him with money.

Q: In the video, on the way to the show, the band picks up members along the way. The keyboard guy is hanging from monkey bars, you bribe a hitchhiker and then someone shoots an arrow at you. Is this a true story?

A: Yeah that's it. That's how it happened. Except when John shot me, he really hit me in the chest, and I had to go to the hospital. [Laughs] We all met in high school, aside from Brendan, so it was a really fun time. It's the same kind of homegrown feel for the "Fortune" video. The concept is we're trying to get a record deal. It's kind of a light satire on the music industry. We use my 6-year-old brother and his friend as A and R reps. Not to toot my own family's horn, but he's the cutest kid in the world.

Q: You host a radio show on the Lion 90.7 FM, right?

A: I'm a host on Indie 500. I don't have a specific day yet this semester.

Q: What kind of stuff do you play?

A: Oh, um whatever I'm listening to know, really. Sufjan Stevens. We're really into Steely Dan, The Beach Boys, specifically Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson in general. For more contemporary stuff, My Morning Jacket. And even though we don't show it, we like old Vagrant bands like the Anniversary, Saves the Day, the Get-Up Kids. Umm, Elliott Smith...

Q: Come on, are you telling me you never play Johnny Action Figure?

A: Oh, I have, a couple of times. You can guarantee I'll be playing the new stuff. My DJ name is DJ Tanner, which I just get a kick out of. I don't use my name, so there's no band connection. I have no problem shamelessly promoting us.