SSM

Bands like Air helped carve a niche for "retro yet futuristic" synth/keyboard outfits. And while SSM use keys as a major ingredient for their sound, they replace the ethereal Moog with organ and '60s garage rock production, as evidenced by their 2006 self-titled debut. Comprised of singer/keyboardist John Szymanski, drummer Dave Shettler, and singer/guitarist Mary Morris, all of SSM's members are veterans of the local Detroit rock scene (having played with such local outfits as the Hentchmen, the Sights, and the Cyril Lords). Like most garage rock revivalists of the early 21st century, SSM aren't afraid to test how sturdily built their instruments are — many of their songs contain "bash away" moments. Blaring retro organ that brings to mind ? & the Mysterians on such cuts as "Exit Strategy" and "Candy Loving," the band takes a new wave-ish detour on "Put Me In," and if Suicide's two-man lineup was expanded to include a guitarist, it would probably sound close to "Ain't Love." With many of their garage rock compadres being more concerned with looking the part — SSM deliver musically on their self-titled outing.