After a brief breakup and the departure of their most well-known member (Jimmy LaValle of the Album Leaf), San Diego's Tristeza has resurfaced. With a revamped lineup and a more streamlined sound, the instrumental quintet seems to have finally hit their stride and released their most ambitious album in their seven years of existence. A Colores is a remarkably focused record, taking the hypnotic guitar elements of their early material and meshing it with an array of keyboards and stellar percussion. Bass player Luis Hermosillo talks about the breakup, working with vocalists, and refusing to take responsibility for spilling a beer on my computer keyboard back in 2001.

Tristeza performs at the Doug Fir Lounge on Fri Nov 4

Was the band ever officially broken up? I don't remember an official announcement, but that was definitely the rumor.

The band did separate for a moment. It was a hectic time and everyone was going through some personal issues. When we did our last official show with Jimmy LaValle, [guitarist] Christopher Sprague announced the end of the band, but personally I felt that we were all pretty much confused and burnt out. We never really made a huge public announcement—we just let it be.

Tristeza seems to have gotten a fresh start in this new incarnation—was there a temptation to make this album completely different than previous releases?

We wanted to make the music more focused within its notes, grooves, timing, spacing, layering, etc. We want to dial into the whole aspect of composing—and most of all, we wanted it to be honest.

I remember an interview Jimmy LaValle gave years ago about how when you first started the band you originally wanted to have a singer, but just never found one. Was there any talk of adding vocals on the new album?

We are totally open to vocals and I know that in the future we will have them.

Do you have a "wish list" of singers you would like to collaborate with?

For female vocals, Elizabeth Fraser [Cocteau Twins] would be a dream come true. As for males, I'm open to suggestions.

So in 2001, after your Portland show, the band stayed at my house and you spilled a beer on my computer keyboard. Instead of taking responsibility, you denied doing it (despite numerous eye witnesses), and have yet to pay me back. Isn't it about time you come clean?

Yes! I can pay you for the keyboard I accidentally ruined, but I swear it wasn't my beer that was spilled!

Thank you.