This year saw a record 236 bands vying for Are You Local? supremacy. Obviously the 233 acts that missed the final cut didn't all suck. Here are just a few promising locals that didn't become finalists, but are still definitely worth checking out. Hear their song samples at www.vita.mn/areyoulocal.
DAN MARISKA
A dead ringer for Death Cab's Ben Gibbard who makes skillful, vulnerable and hooky bedroom folk-pop. (Next show: Saturday, Triple Rock.)
HOT FREAKS
A gleefully energetic indie-pop band that compares favorably to Apples in Stereo. (Monday, Triple Rock.)
THE WORD PARTY
Peppy, verbose youngsters who conjure up a collision between the Hold Steady and Cake.
PORTAGE
Duluth natives make rustic indie-folk in the vein of Peter Wolf Crier or early Bon Iver.
ORIEL
Like Animal Collective? Then you'll love this loopy, glitchy and more organic take on experimental pop. (Friday, Echo Arts in St. Paul.)
SHEEPED
Explosive live hip-hoppers with a muscular rock edge. (April 28, Cause.)
THE TRIBE & BIG CATS!
The talented MC and producer combo believably straddle underground and mainstream styles. (March 28, 7th Street Entry.)
HALO SPARKLE
Meaty '90s alt-rock lays the foundation for a smokin', PJ Harvey-meets-Brody Dalle frontwoman. (March 9, Turf Club.)
HOLLOW BOYS
The melodramatic and dark trio's self-tabbed "gloom-pop" descriptor is right on. (Friday, Hexagon.)
THE DRUG BUDGET
Brassy swing rock and black humor pervade this 12-piece band. (March 22, Triple Rock.)
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