Herzog
Meet the Band: Brian Hill (bass), Dave McHenry (guitar and vocals), Dan Price (drums), Nick Tolar (guitar and vocals), and Tony Vorell (lyrics)
History: Nick Tolar started Herzog as a solo bedroom project, but welcomed his friends to bring the full band to life in 2010.
What They Do: Messy but highly melodic guitar-centric rock from the early '90s playbook
Who They Sound Like: Built to Spill, Guided by Voices, early Weezer
Gigged With: Megachurch (of which Hill and Price are also members), Cloud Nothings, and Return of Simple
Latest Album: Last year's debut, Search, which will be reissued soon by local label Exit Stencil. They also have a follow-up double EP due this summer.
Big Break: Search was picked up by the new ultra-hip U.K. label Transparent Records (Perfume Genius, Washed Out), which released it on vinyl in August.
Why They Say They Matter: "We have more to say than any other band," says Vorell. "And we'll say it louder."
Why We Say They Matter:
They name-drop Charlie Kaufman, Paul Blart, and sample former Bengals coach Sam Wyche ("You don't live in Cleveland!"), all with a likable Ohio-style smugness that would make Robert Pollard proud.
Where You Can Hear Them: myspace.com/herzogsounds
Where You Can See Them: Expect gigs at the Beachland and Grog Shop soon. — Andrew Clayman
