Surrounding Cities/Tim Moon/Group/The Whiskey Hollow

Released last year, Surround Cities' latest effort, a self-titled affair, consists of "a mix of old songs and new ideas." Local producer du jour Jim Stewart mixed the album and another local, Adam Boose, mastered it. The songs also reveal a diverse set of influences as the band counts the Beach Boys and the Beatles as influences. Exhibiting elements of Cheap Trick and the Posies, "Can't Believe" serves up a perfect mix of power pop and indie rock as does "Rational," a song with androgynous vocals and crunchy guitar riffs. "I Know a Girl" features snotty vocals and some great guitar riffs. The group has started to write new songs and plans to play at least four of them at tonight's show, its first-ever headlining gig at the Beachland Ballroom. (Niesel)