Bicycle Inn have always been a band that treats emotion with the kind of honesty that only reveals itself once you stop running long enough to look it in the eye. With Long in the Tooth, those stories arrived almost on their own, carrying years of weight and wear but also a renewed sense of purpose. Between refining their craft, finding inspiration in the artists they share stages with and reconnecting with the roots that first made them feel at home in the emo tradition, Bicycle Inn are stepping into a new chapter that feels both reflective and forward-moving. TGEFM caught up with vocalist/guitarist Declan Moloney for an 8 Question Roll of the Dice to talk about the trauma that shaped the record, the community that keeps them grounded and what’s next as they continue carving out their place in the scene.
Long in the Tooth feels like a major step forward for Bicycle Inn. When did you first realize you had the foundation for this record; that it was going to be something bigger than just another batch of songs?
Stories always have a way of being told whether you expect them or not. As the songs (which would eventually become L.I.T.T) started flowing out naturally, it all came together smoothly. The subjects, the themes and the feelings presented themselves as a whole entity; which just took a bit of time to be revealed.
The title Long in the Tooth itself carries connotations of age, weariness, and wisdom. How did that phrase come to define the spirit of this record?
A lot of these songs carry years of trauma and pain in them. Long in the Tooth represents baggage and ultimately, mileage for a horse. The wear and tear of consistent use. Upon reflection, that consistent use had finally caught up to us and it truly described the fatigue we were feeling within these songs.
It’s been a couple of years between releases. How did that break influence your mindset or creative process going into this record?
We love to hit the ground running on the next project as soon as we finalize a record. When Baldr was finished and we set off to Sound Acres, new songs were already being written. The kindness a break offers, is a breath to look closely at what you’re writing and truly take a moment to define its significance. Sometimes, songs are just songs and an outlet. Other times, you find something more. We never want to just put a song out because we have one; rather, really dig deep into what we’re trying to say through our music.
You’ve played alongside some heavy hitters in the emo and alt scenes: Owen, Crime in Stereo, The World Is…, and more. Has seeing those artists up close changed the way you approach your own performances?
We’ve had such amazing opportunities to play with some incredible artists we look up to. Each time, it’s a masterclass in not only their performances but their passion on display. It’s an experience to which we can bounce off of and be reignited by how much care they put into their craft. It’s always inspiring. It truly helps us center ourselves in what makes us excited and look for in our own performance and delivery.
How has your perspective on “emo” evolved since the band first formed? Do you see yourselves as part of a new wave, or simply continuing a tradition that never really died?
It’s funny how often people place us in a completely different wave of emo. We’ve been 4th, 5th, New, Midwest, you name it. We’re just happy to be here, and be a part of a scene which defined generations of people who felt they didn’t have a voice and needed a home. The tradition of emo for us, has always been in the belonging. It feels like a family no matter what state you’re in or which generation you’re interacting with. It’s beautiful.
If you could go back to 2016-era Bicycle Inn, right when you were starting out, and play them one track from Long in the Tooth, which one would you choose and why?
The tracks would have to be, “even in the grave” and “24:51.” Those songs truly speak to the hope of what sound we wanted for our future. They hold all the emotion and raw energy 2016 Bike would be in love with and seeking to emulate. I feel like those tracks are the embodiment of what we hoped to be all those years ago.
Most “Roll of the Dice” interview end with this one… who are some artists on your radar right now that TGEFM readers might not know but should?
We could spend HOURS listing some incredible bands we’ve had the pleasure of knowing over the years but several would be: Innerlove., Sunday Morning, Excuse Me Who Are You?, Strawberry Blonde, Galeer, Chain Pulling Man, Arlen Gun Club, I Hate It Too, Mt. Oriander, Tiny Voices, Trophy Wife and woolbright. To name a FEW.
Finally, looking beyond Long in the Tooth, what’s next for Bicycle Inn as you head into 2025?
Our plans are to continue to write honest music; doing our best to be as authentic to who we are in everything we do. We love making connections with people at every step of our journey, so we’ll keep doing that as well. That’s all that has ever mattered to us, and we’re so grateful for the opportunities now, and those to come. Thank you so much!
Roll of the Dice is a short interview format with a variable amount of questions. A pair of dice is rolled and the total, between 2 and 12, is the amount of questions we can ask. All questions are given to the interviewee(s) at once, and no follow-ups are allowed. The interview may be lightly edited for content and clarity.
Bad Dad (occasionally called Ed) has been on the periphery of the punk and punk-adjacent scene for over twenty years. While many contributors to this site have musical experience and talent, Ed’s musical claim to fame comes from his time in arguably the most punk rock Blockbuster Video district in NJ where he worked alongside members of Blanks 77, Best Hit TV and Brian Fallon. He is more than just an awful father to his 2 daughters, he is also a dreadful husband, a subpar writer, a terrible dresser and has a severe deficiency in all things talent… but hey, at least he’s self-aware, amirite?
Check out the pathetic attempts at photography on his insta at https://www.instagram.com/bad_dad_photography/