54 Seconds

Hailing from Austin, TX — although their membership comes from places far and wide like Boston and southern England — 54 Seconds play poignant pop that recalls the sound of '70s singer/songwriters, laid-back prog rock, the Beatles, and the Bee Gees. That last comparison might not be a big surprise when one considers lead singer/songwriter Spencer Gibb is the son of Bee Gees member Robin Gibb. Bass player Rachel Loy received national attention in 2003 when her ode to a friend called up to active duty in Iraq put her on The Today Show. Keyboardist Stewart Cochran had provided piano accompaniment to ballet and modern dance performances, while drummer Jeff Botta was a well-known veteran of Austin's music scene. The diverse group made its debut in 1998 with the self-explanatory EP, then returned in 2001 with the full-length Promography. Their 2003 effort, Coma, featured the single "Better?," which was promoted by a video directed by Spencer's father. In 2007 the band signed with the Rock Ridge label and released the ambitious Postcards from California.