Tilts

The term "supergroup" gets thrown around pretty loosely these days, but at least on a local level, Tilts actually fits the bill. Featuring ex-Shame Club guitarist Andy White and drummer Ken McCray and former Riddle of Steel vocalist/guitarist Andrew Elstner, this tour de dudes leaves gimmicks and hipster pretense at home, in favor of furiously face-melting, hard-driving rock. "It Helps" picks up pretty much where Riddle of Steel left off, with buzz-saw riffage and a very Van Halen-esque eighth-note pulse, although White's lead guitar lines snake around Elstner's chunky riffs and add welcome depth and density. Couple this with McCray's tight and thunderous drumming, and it's easy to see why this quartet is one of the most talked about new groups in town.