Pontiak, an all brother three-piece based in rural Virginia, makes a return visit to St. Louis Friday night at the new Wedge club. They played the Off Broadway in June.

Playing dense psychedelic rock (Pink Floyd meets Jane’s Addiction), this show isn’t for anyone looking for upbeat background music. Fans will want to sit back, take a deep drag of the music and contemplate.

Pontiak’s latest is Sun on Sun, their sophomore album. The record carries wilderness themes — understandable since they recorded it over four days in a log cabin in Charlottesville, Va. Their next album is finished and slated for a Spring release on Thrill Jockey.

The brothers Carney live about an hour west of Washington DC near the Shenandoah National Forest.

I spoke with bassist Jennings Carney as the band made its way through Washington State.

***

RC: Do you all prefer living in the country?

JC: Yes, though city life has its pluses. We all grew up in the country so that’s where we feel most comfortable. I enjoy the vibe of the city and its energy but I prefer open spaces.

RC: It sounds like you guys grew up listening to Pink Floyd.

JC: Floyd is definitely an influence, but we’re all over the place. Our approach to writing music is that we pick up ideas from anywhere -– books or movies or hanging with friends.

RC: Tell me about recording in a log cabin?

JC: It’s actually a very large place. A buddy from high school told us his dad had the property on several wooded acres. No one was living there at time but there was running water, electricity and 5000 square feet. He let us go in there and make it our own. Two big wooden rooms in the back overlooks the woods. Putting yourself in that kind of setting has an effect on the music.

Pontiak with Ashes & Iron and I Am the Flood Waters

9 pm Friday, The Wedge, 442 Bates, 314-351-1200

http://www.myspace.com/pontiak