I first saw The Paybacks opening for Southern Culture on the Skids, and I was totally impressed. It was one of the most rocking bands I’d seen in a long time.

Since then I’ve seen them play twice more, and it is always a great show.

The band has two CDs out. The first one, ‘Knock Loud’ has a low-budget sound, but great songs. The second album, ‘Harder and Harder’, has a much more professional sound, and equally great songs.

The music is hard rock. Hard rock like it used be. The kind of hard rock that anyone can get in to, doesn’t need an image or a gimmick, and doesn’t have a cute sub-genre name. Loud guitars, driving rhythm, and a gritty, gritty voice.

Last I heard, the band was still unsigned, doing it on their own, touring, promoting, etc. They’ve been featured several times in Rolling Stone, Spin, and similar mags. Their second album was chosen as the #2 album of the year by Entertainment Weekly in 2004. For whatever all that means.

And aside from all that, they’re a great bunch of people. I had the chance to hang out with them for a little while after a show, and they’re extremely cool folks.