When Big Wreck's debut single The Oaf crashed on to the airwaves about two years ago, the Boston-born rock band got the impression it could do no wrong

Enter That Song, the band's mildly received follow up single.

"The Oaf really went bonkers," says bassist David Henning. "That was pretty gratifying. It was really nice to see people who were that into the band."

But ...

"That Song didn't do as well and a lot of people were fickle with that," Henning recalls, "seeing how the business can work sometimes, and seeing how fickle people can be ... Politics definitely runs the music industry."

The result is a band that's taking its time recording the followup to its rookie disc, 1997's In Loving Memory Of.

The so-called sophomore jinx is something the foursome (Henning, lead singer Ian Thornley, guitarist Brian Doherty and drummer Forrest Williams) are aware of, he says, noting the events of the past two years prove that, like life, rock 'n' roll has no guarantees.

"We don't want to do something unless it feels right. It's not for a lack of material or anything, it's trying to get it where we want it. It's by nature precarious, the sophomore effort, but you just have to do what you do and hope for the best," Henning says.

The group hopes to be in studio by the end of summer. Adding to the pressure is the popularity of In Loving Memory Of, which has sold about 200,000 copies in Canada, twice as many as in the States.

"There definitely is a little pressure to duplicate that kind of success, but it's probably more that we're putting it on ourselves. There's pressure, but nobody's losing sleep at night."

Henning says the band is intent on finding staying power.

"It's a scary thought, falling into that," the 27-year-old says.

"Darwinism has reared its ugly head. You either survive or don't. There seemed to be a time when bands were given a chance to develop. Now, it's more 'Throw everything to the wall and see what sticks.' It's frustrating."

Big Wreck attributes its Canadian popularity to a supportive MuchMusic and a radio community which tends to be more patient with a new song than its American counterparts.

"Down there, if they don't see the numbers ... it's on to the next song."

Formed in 1992 at Boston's Berklee College Of Music, the foursome is known for its big guitar-oriented tunes. While Henning promises a "more melodic" second album, don't expect the group to ease up on the strings.

"That will always be ever present," he says, laughing. "We have some of the biggest guitar nerds you'll ever meet."