The members of Acceptance, who hail from the city famous for the grunge sounds of Nirvana and Soundgarden, create a clean sound that sets them apart from their Seattle counterparts.

The upbeat rockers earned Columbia Records’ support while gaining momentum and storming across the country on multiple tours.

Black Lines to Battlefields, the EP released earlier this year, is a montage of the band’s music.

For Acceptance, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

However, what kind of light is up for interpretation by the listener.

The songs are uplifting and positive, but are general enough for people to draw their own conclusions.

“We’re not pressing anything on people,” vocalist Jason Vena said in the extra CD included with the EP.

“We’re just saying who we are. This is what we’ve been through.”

Black Lines was originally made to impress major label executives during a showcase in Los Angeles.

With advice from a lawyer, money out of their own pockets and some self-production talents, the band members put together the solid EP that landed them on Columbia.

With Columbia’s support, the members of Acceptance have toured the United States several times, putting off recording their major-label debut because of the group’s increased time on the road.

Acceptance is on tour with Yellowcard and will perform on the Northwestern leg of the Rufio/Motion City Soundtrack tour later this year.

Fans will have to wait until spring to get their hands on the new album.

Recording music on the road in a portable studio, the band plans to return home with numerous ideas to work with.

According to bassist Ryan Zwiefelhofer, Acceptance is becoming “musically deeper” and straying from the infamous three-chord progression that drives other young bands.

While not planning to pull a complete 360 degree turn for the upcoming album, Acceptance enjoys pushing its limits.

“We always try to do new things and break away from what we feel is our mold,” Zwiefelhofer said. “But (our new material) still has what makes an Acceptance song an Acceptance song.”

Whatever makes up “an Acceptance song” is a formula for success.

The band has a stable fan base, garnering sold-out performances in its home state and a growing following across the nation.

“It’s great to see when you come back to a city that kids remember who you are,” Zwiefelhofer said.

“That’s just one of the great feelings about being in a band. It seems to be getting better every tour.”