Birds of Avalon

North Carolina's Birds of Avalon is on a roll. Bazaar Bazaar, the band's 2007 full-length debut, has garnered critical kudos while helping the band pick up fans across the country. Formed by Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler after both guitarists left The Cherry Valence, Birds of Avalon fuses elements of psychedelic and progressive rock and wraps it all up in taut three- to four-minute explosions of bracingly loud pop while singer Craig Tilley alternates between a dead-on impersonation of Cheap Trick's Robin Zander and a more original expression of post-modern angst.

Certainly not overly intellectual but not moronic either, the five guys that make up Birds of Avalon know their niche and are happy to pound it into oblivion. Tight, focused and featuring an absurdist, dry wit, songs such as "Bicentennial Baby" and "Taking Trains" are resounding odes to the inherent power of catchy hooks and shouted harmonies. An upcoming tour with the Raconteurs (which includes a stop at the House of Blues on Monday, May 5) should continue the band's career ascension. Thankfully, these Birds are worthy of whatever recognition comes their way.