The Offramps, On the Radar

If you are ever looking for relatively unknown bands of high caliber, Miles of Music has a qualification where they stamp albums with an “It’s a Cracker” label. This is a guarantee that if you don’t like the music you can send it back no questions asked. I’ve found that in the space of indie music its a pretty safe bet that the music is good. This is where I stumbled upon Ann Arbor / Detroit-based band The Offramps.

The band consists of singer and lead guitarist Jeremy Porter (SlugBug, Clashback), bassist Jay Bowes (Culture Bandits, Hoola Poppers, Brooklawn) and drummer Mike Popovich (Holy Cows, 3 Speed, AmericanMars).

Its pretty clear the The Offramps find their influential roots in 80s punk and metal. A hint of twang adds positively to their appeal. Hate It When You’re Right shows off the band’s talent with a diverse set of rockin’ tunes. From the lead track â€œTwenty3â€ which is reminiscent of the drunken guitars of Dinosaur Jr. or Son Volt to the power chords of “Motorcade” or “Impulse Buy” reminscent of an Urge Overkill. The album is chock full of amped up melodies to get your arms flaring and your head bobbing. Its clear that they know they jam as evidenced in the organized chaos of guitar instrumental “The Offramp” perhaps the band’s theme song. With shrewd lyrics, powerful hooks and a sound to make any guitar enthusiast salivate, The Offramps rock!

For a taste check out “Motorcade” (MP3):
[audio:http://www.theofframps.com/or_mmfiles/The_OffRamps_Motorcade.mp3]
[source: TheOfframps.com]

If you like that, I think you’ll also love “Twenty3”, “Chapter Eight”, “Nothing to Get Dressed For” and “Hallmark Holiday”. Heck, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of the whole dang album. You won’t be sorry. Its available from iTunes, Miles of Music and TheOffRamps.com.

Want more? Here’s a video:
The OffRamps – Abrasive Personality