Well before Mission of Burma's 2002 reunion, rock critics, fans and historians alike had finally acknowledged just how good the Boston scene had it between 1979 and 1983. The post-punk Boston band had enjoyed a loyal, passionate following during its four years reinventing the punk sound, but much of the band's success (critically and commercially) came after the band's active performance years.

Cited regularly as an influence for musicians and the watermark band of that era in punk and experimental rock, Burma's return to performance was heralded as the second coming of musical legends. It didn't hurt that the Boston quartet (Roger Miller, Clint Conley, Peter Prescott and Bob Weston) came back with the 2004 "ONoffON," an album that prompted Billboard to ask, "How can it be that Mission of Burma, 22 years down the line, sounds so good it makes almost everybody else look bad, and many of its erstwhile peers look worse?"

Burma is set to play two hometown shows today, down by the Harbor at the ICA. Bostonist spoke with bassist Clint Conley as he and the rest of the guys were in the midst of their five-show New England tour.

Photo of Mission of Burma by Diane Bergamasco. Click to see what Conley had to say after the jump!

How's everything been going?
Swimmingly.

You're in the midst of a flurry of New England shows at the moment - looking over your touring schedule the last couple of years, it seems as if the band's practice is to hit the road for a couple of weeks at a time. What is Burma's take on touring? Is it something where you find that schedules work out so you decide to hit the road for a bit, or is it the case of feeling the need/desire/passion for performing? It's always interesting with bands - some hate touring, while other's can't bear to stay away from the stage. Where do you fall in that?
We enjoy playing out...in moderation. We usually go out for little long weekend bursters, and maybe once a year do a 7-10 day rip to the West Coast or Europe. There are a number of moving parts that all have to sync up - Roger travels quite a bit with Alloy Orchestra, Weston has Shellac, recording and NPR duties set months in advance. Peter and I have the most flexibility, though I have a full-time job so I must use vacations sparingly. But we hate to go more than three or four months without playing. Our bodies might seize up.

We've read and heard of the passionate and loyal following for Burma during the '79-'83 years, but it's widely noted that the dramatic influence Burma had on the scene wasn't something that became apparent to music makers and followers until after '83. What was it like for you, to see over the years just what your band accomplished in such a relatively short span of time, to realize that the musicians that were coming up after '83 were, in many cases, citing you as a direct influence?
It really has been a wonder to us. And quite gratifying.

What is your take on the current Boston music scene (the quality and number of bands, venues, etc)?
Not qualified to comment.

Is there a particular Boston venue you played that is no longer that you wish was still around? If so, what was it about that space?
The most exciting scene was in the lofts down on Thayer Street -- now trendy galleries, cares etc. Back then it was a wild frontier.

How are you feeling about the ICA gigs? Are you looking forward to the space/fans/ etc. and why?
It feels like a tremendous honor, to be honest. Psyched to groove on the Harbor.

What's coming up for Burma next?
We never know.

Mission of Burma will play at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. today at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for ICA members, seniors and students. Visit the ICA or Mission of Burma sites for details.