Twelve Bands in Four Lines or Less

We thought you might like to know just a little bit about each of the bands on the record. Web sites are listed, and should be a good resource for any additional information you might need. You should also feel free to contact Ray Flowers at Fifth Column (587-9818 or rayflowers@austin.rr.com) if you would like any additional information on these bands.

Cruiserweight - If the current graduating class of indie bands elected a band "most likely to succeed," it would probably be Cruiserweight. Their record, this will undoubtedly come out wrong, is an unqualified success, and their single and video of "Cautionary Tale" is a staple at local radio and on AMN. | www.cruiserweight.com

Kissinger - With a strong fan base, both locally and regionally, Kissinger is another indie band poised for greater success. They have a new EP called Rock and Roll Ain't Cheap due out at the end of January - if history is any indication, expect big things - Kissinger isn't screwing around. | www.kissingertheband.com

The Action Is - You might remember them as Hotwheels, Jr. Their last album, Blackbelt, did well on college radio and was critically acclaimed, and we agree with the Austin Chronicle in calling them "one of Austin's most underestimated bands." Add their incendiary live shows - a band to keep a careful eye on. | www.theactionis.com

Failsafe - With a song on the feature film Getting Hal, a track in the WB's Dawson's Creek and a bevy of awards too numerous to list here (including the Grand Prize in the Dallas Songwriters Association), Failsafe are clearly one of Austin's best and brightest young bands. |

The Spiders - The Spiders purvey balls-out punk metal licks and glam attitude like it never went out of style. A favorite on both the local and regional music scene, The Spiders are currently working on the follow-up to their hard-hitting 2000 debut, Sex Is Thicker Than Blood (Unscene) for Acetate Records. | www.thespiders.net

The National Pastime - Something of an Austin indie scene supergroup, with members of the bands Dynamite Boy and Schatzi, they are currently recording tracks for their new album. Their debut EP Learn Your Lesson sold out, stirring up label interest along the way. |

Hobble - A favorite among fans, musicians and critics alike, their intense, raw, balls-out Texas thrash will whoop your saggin' ass back into shape. The energy is vigorous and the volume is cranked. Watching these guys perform is to witness the gods' decision to unleash genuine rowdiness and mayhem on Earth. |

Excess Lettuce - Together since 1996, they have just released their third full-length CD, Lolita, playing on a radio station near you! Their unique and powerful blend of rock and punk influences has made them a staple on the local music scene. |

Auna - Their debut CD, Secretly To..., has garnered major attention both on a local and national level. Their unique songwriting and arrangements set them closer to the "alternative" edge of this compilation, and the word on the street is that Auna may be close to much bigger things. |

The Murdocks - The Murdocks have been crafting hook-filled, simple songs with a little screaming and distortion since forming in late 2001. Just three quiet boys (barely old enough to drink) who are drawn to create chaotic music and whatever comes with it. They have a new EP, Die With Me, due out early 2003. | www.the-murdocks.com

…the end until now - With adrenaline-charged guitar riffs too catchy for emo, a tight sense of melody and songs that creep under your skin and stay there, …the end until now have distinguished themselves as a young Austin band with potential to spare. They're just finishing up their new album, due later this year. |

Kelvin - A well-respected member of Austin's alternative rock community, Kelvin's unusual blend of modern rock influences has been slowly converting disciples across Texas and well beyond. The cult of Kelvin grows daily - look a little closer at your neighbors; you may just see a Kelvinite staring back at you. | www.thekelvin.com