Most likely to make you romp: Delta Spirit
Why: They’re thrash with down-home sensibility and passion equivalent to the sum total.
Random-Ass Trivia: The man featured on their album Ode to Sunshine is Dr. Thomas Payne, their producer’s uncle.
Latest and Greatest: Stealing the show at CMJ

What’s next: Touring across the country, including Cal Poly November 13.

Most likely to make to you love Americana again: Pela
Why: Big dreams from humble men are melodically expressed on their album Anytown Graffiti.
Random-Ass Trivia: Guitarist Nate Martinez eats egg sandwiches for breakfast.
Latest and Greatest: Two years performing with bands like Sleater-Kinney and The Flaming Lips
What’s next: A new album called Rise Ye Sunken Ships

Most likely to bridge the oceanic divide: This is Radio Freedom
Why: Brit band This is Radio Freedom doesn’t care about fitting into the hip Brit band cliché.
Random-Ass Trivia: Singer Matt Rimmer’s favorite book is The Great Gatsby, and his favorite drinking game is the “beautiful and vindictive” Heads or Tails.
Latest and Greatest: Appearing at National Underground for CMJ
What’s next: Touring stateside and beyond

Most likely to make a cluster**** onstage: Eagle Seagull
Why: Lots of members, lots of instruments, lots of sound.
Random-Ass Trivia: Guitarist/Pianist Eli Mardock was a debate nerd in high school.
Latest and Greatest: The Year of the Hot-To Book
What’s next: More crowded stages

Most likely to remind you of lollipops: Action Painters
Why: Bright, colorful poppy rock with sweet exuberance.
Random-Ass Trivia: The first album that really gave singer Tom Haslow the tummy-turns was Joshua Tree.
Latest and Greatest: “Absolutely Clear,” a throwback to the 1960s relevant to 2008.
What’s next: Supermarket, their soon to be released album