Shreveport band Engine is set to release their fourth album, “Red Moon Rise” on April 4.

Engine brands itself as “space Western” music, which may be described as an American folk-blues-rock-bluegrassswing crossbreed. Engine’s discography includes the recent release of the “B Side” compilation, “Wild Onions,” featuring tracks that didn’t make an official album but were just too good to let fall through the cracks.

The members of Engine vary between four to eight members. Currently a quartet, members are Landon Miller (vocals/guitar), Ben Densmore (guitar), Chelsea Norman (vocals), Michael Weileder (bass) and Dylan Hillman (drums). Although the number of active members has changed, the music has not.

Fans are anticipating a special reunion at Engine’s official album release party for “Red Moon Rises,” during which the band will play a transitional timeline of songs from their first album to the newest releases. The album release party is at 10 p.m. April 4 at Bear’s On Fairfield, located at 1401 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport. “Red Moon Rises” will be available for purchase on CD for $10 and on vinyl for $15. There is a $5 door cover for the release party.

Aside from celebrating the release of the album, Miller said Engine is excited to celebrate the re-opening of Bear’s, a longtime favorite bar and concert venue that was purchased by local businessman Chase Boytim (Fatty Arbuckle’s and former Stir Tapas owner).

“The renovations are awesome. They ripped out the old stage and put a new one in, there’s a new sound system, and everything is cleaner and more spacious,” Miller said. “Some of our favorite shows were at Bear’s.

When I heard it was going to be re-opening, I knew that’s where we had to have the release party, especially now that Chase Boytim is running it. He’s helped us out when no [other venues] were having shows. He was always trying to keep shows going.”

Joining Engine on stage are the opening music acts, Shawn James & The Shapeshifters, (blues/bluegrass/gospel) from Fayetteville, Ark., and The Jacob Disedare Band (Roots Americana) from Shreveport.

Other special guests and surprises are in store for the concert release party.

Those who have attended Engine shows may be familiar with the pirate ship-themed set to fit their last album, “Land of Sleep.” Miller said there will be a new, elaborate set design to play off of the “Red Moon Rises” theme.

Engine will perform new songs including two released singles: “Patraeus,” a slinky, bluesy instrumental with dark, mysterious lyrics, and “Ten Steps,” an upbeat, swinging tune.

Engine independently produced and recorded the 10-track album “Red Moon Rises” through local studio Roselawn Recording Company.

Miller said the band is working on two new music videos for two of the album’s tracks. Engine is known for their fun-having, twisted-plotted and visually stimulating music videos.

Though Miller is tight-lipped about details, he reveals that one of the new videos will include slow motion saloon fighting, breakaway tables and Colorado snow.

Engine will be on tour through the southern region, including Mobile, Ala.; Austin, Texas; Fayetteville, Ark.; Baton Rouge; and Tulsa, Okla.

Hear More

To hear a preview of Red Moon Rises, visit www.enginela.bandcamp.com. 

Music videos: 

“Land of Sleep”- www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dGNQdZRdCw 

“Spare Parts”- www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGTrMOGVy_E 

“Tempest”- www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2z2_DRvTkQ