Sam Buonavolonta got a reel-to-reel tape recorder a few years ago and began writing out fresh new music to test the product out. During this casual creative process, he became very satisfied with the direction of these new songs.

“I wasn’t thinking too much about how the music was coming out, but after a few songs I was really enjoying the process of writing,” he said. “I wasn’t second guessing myself and I was not overthinking. I sort of tricked myself into following my instincts and I just ran with it. The material was different enough from anything else I was doing previously, so it made sense to start out as a new project.”

That new project, Fear of Dancing — Buonavolonta, vocals and guitar; Justin Arroyo, bass; Zach Sunderman, guitar; and Alan Williams, drums — will release its debut album “Cool” on and play a dual album release show with Lake Lake on Saturday at 22 S. West Ave., Youngstown.

A few years ago, Buonavolonta began releasing material under the name Fear of Dancing on cassette in very small quantities. These cassettes were gaining popularity among crowds and people were buying them up.

“I didn’t really think Fear of Dancing would evolve into a live band,” he said. “At that point in time no one else was playing live shows and everyone was stuck at home. Eventually, I started to get the idea that whenever shows started to pop up again, Fear of Dancing might be a good path forward.”

Buonavolonta described the first time he started playing in bands as a teenager as a weird time in music. He said that it was basically the rise of nu-metal and his first band, Vessel, really embraced that kind of sound. Eventually, Vessel evolved into more hardcore-influenced metal. However, Fear of Dancing is a departure from this style, embodying more of a noise rock and angular post-punk style. Despite the departure from his hardcore past, Buonavolonta still feels the new material contains the spirit of that music.

“I feel like I reconnected to the time when bands were passionate and out to cut loose, a time where bands weren’t necessarily concerned with a polished product,” he said.

When writing and recording the material with Fear of Dancing, Buonavolonta said that his musical influences were Nirvana, The Stooges, Fugazi, The Germs, Butthole Surfers, Suicidal Tendencies, The Fugs and Black Flag. The high energy and the dry sound of these bands provided the perfect inspiration.

“The list goes on, but I was particularly drawn to the energy and seemingly effortless production of those early punk records. These were records that were probably recorded on an eight- or even four-track machines. They sound like they only had a few microphones to put on the drums and maybe not the best room to record in at the time.”

He asked Anthony LaMarca (The Building and The War on Drugs) to produce “Cool” because he really appreciated the production values on all LaMarca’s records with The Building.

“He has a minimalist no-nonsense way of making records,” he said. “He kept me out of my comfort zone and kept me honest and was truly inspiring to work with on the album.”

The tracks on “Cool” seem as though they tell a story. With Fear of Dancing, Buonavolonta said that he just wrote what was on his mind. He thought he was going through a midlife crisis, so some of these stories range from early childhood themes to current social and cultural issues.

“Ultimately, I think I am writing about forgiveness and acceptance, both inward and outward. As angry as this album may seem at times, I think it’s just as encouraging and hopeful. Also, you won’t find this album or any of our music on any streaming services. So maybe in 2025, Fear of Dancing will start their own streaming service. Other than that, going into the future we just want to keep making music and keep playing on stages for whoever will have us. Being in a band is hard work, but it’s also a complete luxury that I can’t believe I am lucky enough to do this.”

If you go …

WHAT: Lake Lake and Fear of Dancing dual album release show

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. with DJ Steve Wishnewski and the bands starting at 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: 22 S. West Ave., Youngstown.

HOW MUCH: $10 and can be purchased in advance at historian.bigcartel.com/