Often pigeonholed as “90s Revivalists,” London’s multicultural band Yuck has something to prove with its sophomore album, Glow and Behold.

Fronted by Max Bloom after Daniel Blumberg’s departure last April, the band fortifies its dreamy, melodic sound with the addition of Ed Hayes on guitar while also creating a bolder sound layered with trumpets, pleading lyrics, big guitars, and just the right amount of synth. We caught up with Bloom for a phone interview before Yuck’s show at the Independent on January 29<.

How did you spend your New Year’s Eve?

I was in London. Every year I say I’m going to get out of London for New Year’s Eve because it’s usually a fucking nightmare, but I never manage to get it together in time. This year was nice though, I just went to a friend’s party and then celebrated midnight with my girlfriend in our flat.

Any resolutions for 2014?

Probably to smoke and drink more.

You’ve drawn comparisons to some very influential bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth and Pavement. Does this excite you or do you disregard such press?

Yeah, it’s very exciting, but it’s also not surprising considering I’ve listened to all those bands to death. It is very flattering though if it’s in a good context.

Some label your music as “Grunge Revival.” Do you think this is a real thing, and do you see yourselves being part of it?

I don’t really know, that’s a phrase that journalists have coined, I guess. It’s not really something I think about when I’m making music. I guess it feels lazy in some respects, because I wouldn’t really regard a lot of the music we make as grunge. It kind of feels like people who say that haven’t really listened to our music properly.

I agree. You covered New Order’s ‘Age of Consent,’ which has gotten considerable attention. How do you feel about bands that find success through covers?

If it’s a good cover and people like it then there’s nothing wrong with it.

And it’s not a nineties cover. To me, your new album “Glow and Behold” has more 80’s synths and sounds to it. Were you trying to break away from certain stereotypes?

Possibly subconsciously, but mainly I knew that I wanted to try something different and not make the same album again.

You welcomed Ed Hayes to the band. How did that affect the record?

Mariko, Jonny and I recorded the album together and then Ed joined after that to play live with us. Ed definitely changed the dynamic of the band and made our live shows a lot more dynamic and energetic.

What are  your top five current bands?

Polterghost, Post Louis, Alvvays, GRMLNS and Nadine Shah

Aside from playing the Independent, what else are you looking forward to doing in San Francisco?

I have a few friends there, and it’s generally a great place to just walk around. Maybe I’ll go to Alcatraz. I’ve never been there before.

• Tag: The Independent, Yuck