Mixing a wide variety of eclectic influences ranging from the propulsive drone of such '70s German krautrock bands like Neu! and Can, the hard rock heft of Led Zeppelin and the spacious sonic vistas of Pink Floyd, Secret Machines are crafting a new indie sound that respects earlier traditions without simply emulating them. The trio, made up of brothers Benjamin and Brandon Curtis and Josh Garza, got their start working with a number of underground bands in Dallas, Texas during the '90s, including Tripping Daisy, UFOFU and Captain Audio.

The new band relocated to New York City and eventually signed to Reprise. Their major label debut, 'Now Here Is Nowhere,' was released to favorable reviews late last year. Though some antecedents to the Secret Machines sound can be heard in such psychedelic modern rock outfits as the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev, the trio brings a bombastic energy and epic sensibility to their music without sacrificing original, ear-catching melodies on its recent sophomore effort, 'Ten Silver Drops.' Local favorites Loop!Station open the show.

Date(s):
2006 May: 6

Location: San Francisco

Venue: The Independent

Time Info: 8 p.m.

Price Info: $20