Side project helps X members grow together

Exene Cervenka is one of the lead vocalists in X, one of the most piercing and penetrating bands in the history of American rock 'n' roll, so it's only appropriate that she is more than a little bit prickly when discussing the Knitters, the X offshoot, just after sound check on the first night of the band's first full-fledged tour in years.

''What is the dynamic of the Knitters?" she considers. ''There is no dynamic. We show up and we play. We're of like minds and we know what each other is thinking. There is no master game plan and no over-guiding map."

The reality is that the Knitters are one heck of an American roots band. They've just put out their first record in 20 -- count them -- 20 years, the generous, eclectic ''The Modern Sounds of the Knitters" (Zoe/Rounder). The disc demonstrates just how far Cervenka and her bandmates, guitarists Dave Alvin and John Doe, bassist Jonny Ray Bartel, and drummer/percussionist D.J. Bonebrake, can dig into the past and interpret their own work in the process.

The Knitters are much more than X minus Billy Zoom plus Bartel, even though the personnel is pretty much the same as the raging punk band that helped define '80s rock. They have a unique approach to some covers of classic American songs such as Flatt & Scruggs's ''Give Me Flowers While I'm Living" and the Stanley Brothers's ''Rank Stranger," as well as a fierce original take on ''Born to Be Wild."

Along with new originals from some of the band members and covers of great X songs such as ''In This House That I Call Home," ''Skin Deep Town," and ''Burning House of Love," ''Modern Sounds" is a spirited romp all done up Knitters style -- acoustic and caustic. The band plays the Paradise on Wednesday.

''Don't let anyone think that this is just X acoustic," warns Cervenka. ''That would be as dumb as thinking that X is nothing more than the Knitters electric. We approach this completely differently and while we cover X songs, this is not the way we would do them if we were X. This is a different band, a different approach. We wear different hats."

But why 20 years between records? The group would make Stevie Wonder seem like Guided By Voices. ''We can't muster up the energy anymore so we leave being prolific to the kids these days," jokes Doe. ''Didn't anyone tell you that we are getting old? Just look at the picture in the CD. C'mon. We'll leave rushing into things for those modern day punks."

After Doe winks and nods he admits that the band members just happened to have the stars align to record and finally get on the road together. He's taking time off from solo recording and touring, as is Alvin. Cervenka had a hole in her schedule.

''Of course, we are in synch because we do the occasional X thing, but to get everyone together takes a bit of time and if it wasn't for Dave to make us focus, do some writing, booking the studio, and making us commit to doing this I don't think it would have ever gotten done," Cervenka says. ''We're just used to showing up every so often, [messing] around with arrangements and songs we like to do live, and just let it be. Here we decided to get serious and it sounds that way for a change."

Of course, there's plenty for X fans to appreciate on the Knitters' record, as there is nothing as distinct and combustible as the Doe/Cervenka vocal dynamic. ''That sound is just so identifiable and you can't get around it, so whether it's X or the Knitters, it's something that seems to only deepen and become more mysterious as the years go by," says Doe.

As for X, the band played a number of shows earlier this year and it may get together for a short sojourn across the country late in the year. Don't expect new music any time soon, though. It put out a live record in the spring, which finds the band in top form, but fresh X material is not on Cervenka's or Doe's plate right now.

''You never know, but nothing is happening now and I don't expect it will, so don't get anyone's hopes up," says Cervenka.

She has a new record coming out in October with her band the Original Sinners but she won't reveal much about it.

''I don't talk about my music," she says. ''I just think it's ridiculous and self-defeating to tell you what to expect. If I say it's punk or country or psychedelic it gives you preconceived notions and, frankly, it may be none of those things."

So will it take another 20 years for the next Knitters record?

''Well, we have studio time booked for 2025," Doe says with a laugh. ''You know, at this point, I'm just glad that we have had two chances to document what the Knitters are about. We have always had a lot of fun making music together and I think it shows.

''Will we be able to get together again anytime soon is another thing. We come, we go, and we play the [expletive] out of the songs. That's the Knitters in a nutshell."

The Knitters play The Paradise Wednesday at 9 p.m. Call 617-562-8800.