Sitting with the four members of Lucky Monkey in their renovated garage studio you get the sense they’re a relaxed group of guys.

The band’s second EP titled Nothing to Lose suggests that theme, with the title track paying homage to the concept of embracing a bit of ignorance to enjoy a little bliss.

Left to Right: Josh Evans – Drums, Kassidy Rritzuk – Vocals, Dylan Losell – Bass, Ryan Zeleznik – Guitar.

However, it doesn’t take more than 30-seconds of listening to the band’s new record to realize that despite the group’s relaxed nature, their music hits hard, with a combination of scorching guitars, a booming rhythm section and soaring vocals.

Many Kelowna residents are likely most familiar with Lucky Monkey being the "best bar band in town" and while the group has love for their deep catalog of covers, those attending the album release show Friday night at Doc Willoughby's will get to see a new side of the band.

“We've played an original song at every show we've ever played, but tomorrow night it will be 90% originals,” explained guitarist Ryan Zeleznik.

“There’s two sets and both are going to be a rock and roll journey, we even have a couple of slow ones and that's a rarity for the group,” said Kassidy Rritzuk.

Recorded at Arc House Studios in downtown Kelowna, Lucky Monkey entered the studio with 30 songs and whittled those down to five tunes that represent the cream of the crop.

“What does Lucky Monkey look like in the studio? Well, plenty of purple haze while recording the drums,” laughs drummer Josh Evans.

“But we never set out to record a specific song, it’s whatever comes out and then molded through collaboration.”

The group describes their creative process as something like a ven-diagram, with their four circles of creativity all combining to create a “rock pocket” in the diagram’s middle circle.

There’s no doubt Lucky Monkey will turn Doc Willoughby's into a “rock pocket” Friday night when they hit the stage for the first time in support of Nothing to Lose.

For more information on the group and a sneak peek preview of the record, click here.