Pick Up Your Head

Formed in Sacramento in 2006 by two former Leisure members, Middle Class Rut self-released several EPs and toured throughout 2007. The band then earned the attention of the Bright Antenna label, which released several EPs and the duo's debut album (No Name No Color); its audience expanded more with the alternative hit "New Low." With Zack Lopez on vocals and guitar and Sean Stockham on vocals and drums, Middle Class Rut makes a hard-edged sound that's drawn comparisons to Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, and Jane's Addiction: solid references for an alternative act that fills up every inch of sound. (The duo adds three members live and uses esteemed veteran producer and mixer Dave Sardy in the studio.) Tunes such as "Born Too Late," "No More," "Cut the Line," and "Sing While You Slave" bring back memories of the early '90s, when loud, aggressive alternative groups dominated the live scene and encouraged audiences to throw their bodies into the madness. The deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks: "Nothin'" and an in-your-face cover of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "I Need to Know."