Winding down from a flurry of festival and club shows this year, promoting the January 2011 release of their debut album, “French Fries,” The Bitteroots are in the midst of writing and recording their as-yet-unnamed independent sophomore effort.

Planned for release March 31, 2012, The Bitteroots’ second album promises to show the band’s growth both musically, and as songwriters. Some of the tracks planned for the next record have already been gig-tested in front of enthusiastic live audiences, including gems by singer Laura Dees like “Rush Me” and “This Town,” and guitarist Dan Shockley’s haunting tune, “Pete.”