Photo by Sandra Villarin

It’s no surprise to me that they cite bands like the Wallflowers, Weezer and the Counting Crows as either influences or what they like themselves, because that’s the territory they’re in. That being said, two of my favorite tracks, Best Laid Plans and Am I Too Late, both surprisingly reminded me a bit of one of my go-to bands, Canadian alt-country group Blue Rodeo. For me, there wasn’t a weak track in the eclectic set.

Formed in 2008, the group is frontman & songwriter Phil Austin, drummer & backup vocalist Chris Villasenor, bassist Charlie Bendock and lead guitarist Max Keene, who was also co-producer (with Austin) and engineer for the CD. Produced and released on their own late last year, the CD is extremely polished and shines with the care they clearly took with the types of details that make music stand out.

You have more than one opportunity to catch them live in Seattle on the following dates. My guess is these guys could really rock in a live setting.

Nectar Lounge
Tuesday 2/23/2010 10:30PM
Cover: $3, 21+

High Dive Seattle
Tuesday 3/9/2010 8:00PM
Cover: $6

Comet Tavern
Tuesday 4/6/2010
Details TBA