There is a new album on the horizon, and Versus the World is ready for battle.

It begins Tuesday when their stateside tour, which features fellow punk rockers Authority Zero, kicks off at The Black Sheep. The show also promotes their second studio album, “Drink. Sing. Live. Love.,” which hits record stores and iTunes July 31.

This show, however, is for us.

“We were talking about making the show a benefit for the fire,” says front man Donald Spence. “We’ve been really worried about how it’s been out there.”

Versus the World members also include Bryan Charleson (Crooks and Liars), Mike Davenport (The Ataris) and Chris Flippin (Lagwagon), and although they have a punk rock past,the band is trying to create something that defines who they are now.

“I think this one is a rock ‘n’ roll record, not a punk record.” Spence says.“I want to be the band that can write any song they want.”

Here Spence talks about finding inspiration in the darker side of punk rock, how red wine helps make a record and how dyslexia may have named the band.

The Gazette: Tell me about how the band got together.

Donald Spence: Well, we’re all from Santa Barbara. … Chris (Flippin) from Lagwagon and I have always been buddies. I’ve been into punk music since I was a kid. I mean, I’ve been playing since I was 16. We used to tour with The Ataris and we’ve all just kind of played shows together.

Gazette: Where did you get your name?Spence: I bought a split record from Armchair Martian and Bad Astronaut called “War of the Worlds.” I read it wrong and saw Versus the World. I thought it was a bad ass name. It wasn’t until later that I noticed I read it wrong. So I guess I stole it. I guess you could say dyslexia helped named the band.

Gazette: How would you describe your sound?Spence: I feel like the influences are there. I just think we’re just rock ‘n’ roll you know what I mean. There is some punk rock in there and metal. I guess I just tell people we’re in a rock and roll band. Our peers are punk rock.

Gazette: For years, the industry wanted bands to fit into neat categories. Do you think the scene is still like that?Spence: Yeah, there are so many different genres. … I don’t know what a lot of them mean. I’ve read reviews where they say “post punk” and “post hard core.” I don’t know, I just think of a band like the Foo Fighters, and they can write any type of song they want. That’s what I’m going for with this band.

Gazette: Who do you see as your influences?Spence: Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio: I like that they’re the darker side. I appreciate that. A lot of oldies, too, like Willie Nelson, Ray Orbison and Creedence (Clearwater Revival). I appreciate the song structure. They’re simple and there are a lot of vocals. Bands like Lagwagon and The Ataris have influenced big time, too, because they’ve been doing it for 10 years.

Gazette: Touring is so huge nowadays. Do you write on the road?Spence: A lot of writing is done with red wine and an acoustic guitar. On the road, we don’t really write music because it’s hectic. We rehearse and sound check. I write when I’m home and just playing guitar. That way there is material to rehearse on the road.

Gazette: When did you realize you guys were making an impact musically?Spence: We played Warped Tour, but the first bit of success where I felt like, “holy crap, I’m in a band” was when we had a tour overseas and we did a string of headlining shows. I was terrified and afraid no one would show. But there were a couple hundred kids who showed up. It was people who did not know the language but knew all the words. The first time over in Europe was when I realized this was what I meant to do. I am meant to play music for the rest of my life.

Gazette: What are you listening to right now?Spence: Right now I’m listening to Hot Water Music. Audra Mae, she just put out a new album. … In my record player is The Hold SteadyCQ album, “Heaven is Whenever.”CQ And in my tape deck is my old Foo Fighters “The Colour and The Shape.” I’ve had that since I was a kid.