Following many months of hard work, pop/punk band Every Avenue released its long-awaited sophomore album, “Picture Perfect.”

After almost a year of writing, recording and plane flights, the band is currently displaying its new music during a tour called “The Traveling Talent Show,” alongside an alternative band called The White Tie Affair.

Every Avenue has come far since the band first began in 2003 in its hometown of Port Huron, Mich.

The group signed to alternative label Fearless Records in 2007 and became sponsored by brands such as Glamour Kills and Ernie Ball. In February 2008, the boys of Every Avenue set the bar exceptionally high with the release of their debut album, “Shh. Just Go With It.” However, the band has succeeded in exceeding the music of the last CD, while bringing its abilities to a whole new level.

“We’ve matured a lot since our first debut. This has given us a chance to become better songwriters and write about our new experiences,” explained lead singer David Ryan Strauchman via phone while driving to a show in Houston, Texas. “The songs off ‘Picture Perfect’ are different, yet our sound remains the same.”

While critics may compare them to pop/punk counterparts such as Fall Out Boy and Metro Station, there is no doubt that Every Avenue has a unique sound. Upon listening to “Picture Perfect,” one is bound to escape within the fun-loving and energetic vibe displayed in its diverse tracks. Every Avenue’s music has exactly what it takes get you to tap your toes and nod your head to the beat. The new release presents 11 fresh songs paired with uber-catchy melodies that are bound to play on repeat once they hit your iTunes library.

When asked what inspired “Picture Perfect,” Strauchman responded, “We write about everything, relationships, hanging out with friends and just those little everyday things we go through. We enjoy writing lyrics that our fans can relate to.”

Each band member, including guitarists Jimmie Deeghan and Joshua Randall, contribute to create the album’s lyrics. The band transforms these everyday experiences into melodic stories. This can be seen on the band’s single “Mindset,” which exposes one’s initiative toward a crush that evolved from a surprise encounter.

The band even had the opportunity to tour in Japan, which Strauchman recalls as one of his favorite memories from being in Every Avenue. He was shocked to see how many foreign people could sing along to their lyrics.

“My music is out in another country where I’d never thought it would be,” Strauchman said. After experiences such as these, Strauchman expresses, “Every day is a new adventure and that’s how it should be. Even for students, in between all that work, you gotta out and have fun!”

Interacting with fans makes up a huge part of what it means to be in a band, according to Strauchman.

“Our fans are the most important thing, for sure. I always talk to them after shows, take pictures and give autographs; it’s something I like to do.”

Although the band has fans throughout the world, Every Avenue doesn’t stray far from its humble beginnings.

“When you start a band while you’re young, all you want is to make music. You’re not worried about how many records you sell; you just want to make a living out of the band and its music,” Strauchman said. Even with unstable financial security, he explained, “I’d rather be broke every day of my life doing what I love than working at a not-so-great job all the time.”

If there is anything to know about Every Avenue, one thing is for sure: the band is passionate about its music and devoted to it 100 percent. And all it takes is one listen of “Picture Perfect” to leave you craving the opportunity to rock out at the next Every Avenue show.