Local spins

... and guppies eat their young
‘Once’

For those who laid restless awaiting another release from the prolific band, ... and guppies eat their young return like riders of low-hanging monsoon clouds, delivering gentle desert trance-rock on their latest release. The guppies meld striding guitar melodies with layers of otherworldly distortion. “Once,” released on Tempe’s Scapular Winging Records, delivers a polished collection of indie-rock anthems (“Parking Garage,” “Life Can Be One”) and gracious ballads (“Dreaming of a Place,” “In A State”). “Cuz livin’ is one thing/and dying’s another/and you may find yourself between,” sings Brock Ruggles on “The Warbly Life” with the conviction of someone forced to consider such things. Though dark at times, “Once” is an inspired work full of promise. B+

Next show: CD release show 8 p.m. Friday at Hollywood Alley, 2610 W. Baseline Road, Mesa. Info: . $5.
Web site: www.andguppieseattheiryoung.com

— by Jenna Duncan, Get Out

Thousand Yard Stare
‘Thousand Yard Stare’

The Valley is filled with local bands trying to ride the coattails of Mesa’s Jimmy Eat World — copying their style in hopes that it translates into mainstream success — but few of them do it as well as Thousand Yard Stare. And like J.E.W., the boys aren’t bad to look at. But more importantly, the poppy-rock quartet’s self-titled EP is beautifully done. The five songs could easily blend in with the music on KZON (101.5 FM) and the songs are in the vein of Weezer, Catherine Wheel and The Calling along with J.E.W. They range from the melodic, rockin’ “Vacuum” (the best song on the disc) to the slow and mellow, emo-driven “Now It’s Gone,” which drags out a bit too long. While the album is a good listen from start to finish, it doesn’t hold a candle to the group’s powerful live performances which are well worth checking out. B+

Next show: 8 p.m. Friday at the Venue of Scottsdale, 7117 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale. Info: . $9, all ages.
Web site: www.thousandyardstare.net

— by Kelly Wilson, Get Out