Portland-based Nasalrod are a pretty damn tight and heavy act, consisting of four former members of four different punk bands. Yet breaking onto a scene that may in times take itself too seriously with their sporadic skippy beats, soft interludes and other picking twists, they bring a new sound to the table with which they playfully keep the crowds entertained.

However improbable a hard enough middle-ground between punk and pop may seem, that is exactly where they stand. It's fun like rock 'n' roll should be, experimental, surprising, and although the blend might in words sound like a long shot, it's actually very effective! Roaring away like Tenacious D's Jack Black, grimacing and gesticulating, lead singer Chairman's stage antics alone are probably worth your while. But see for yourself, as they'll be playing The Kenton Club for free this Thursday, and a couple of other shows around town during the first two weeks of July to celebrate the release of “Steward”, their first EP with current L.A-born drummer Spit Stix (out 7/1!).- Tracy Mamoun