Singer Brian Aubert on stage

To the east of Hollywood lies the bohemian neighbourhood of Silver Lake. Since the early 90s, Silver Lake has boasted a thriving alternative rock scene with recording artists such as Beck, Elliot Smith, Karen O (of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame), Rilo Kiley and the Red Hot Chili Peppers calling it – at one point or another – home.

In 2005, four friends who also called this area home, formed a band. On the corner of Silver and Sunset Boulevard, just one short skip away from Silver Lake’s vibrant club scene, is a convenience store that is frequented by band members, hipsters and groupies alike. Stopping here for snacks between sets, bands or gigs is anecdotally referred to as a ‘Silver-sun Pick-up’. Apropos, the four friends who had often taken part in this late night ritual for pick me ups baptized their band Silversun Pickups.

Breathless Brian Aubert leads the band on vocals and guitar; adorably quirky Nikki Monninger strums on the bass; Joe Lester plays keyboards; and Christopher Guanlao rounds up this quartet on the drums.

It is hard not to immediately like their music. The Pickups are at once distinct yet familiar. In an interview for Rolling Stones, Shirley Manson of Garbage gushed: “They come on the radio, and you know it’s them right away. In a world armed to the teeth with a billion bands competing for ears, that is such a rare thing.” And she’s right. From the distorted guitar riffs right down to Auberts’ characteristic whisper vocal styling, The Pickups appeal to the eclectic ears of 90s alternative rock fans as well as the ears of much younger generations.

The 2009 album, Swoon

The hypnotic sound that explodes into loud and screechy rock moments has earned them countless comparisons to The Smashing Pumpkins. The Pickups themselves admit that they are influenced by bands such as Modest Mouse, Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. Their sound and their performing style are reminiscent of the shoegazer movement of the late 80s and early 90s. Even during the more frenzied moments on stage, Aubert appears quite subdued. The overwhelming, hazy guitars oftentimes drown out the vocals; it is as if his voice is buried beneath all those layers of noise, fighting to be heard. Take a listen to ‘Panic Switch’, the first single off the second full-length album, ‘Swoon’, where Monninger’s bass slowly climbs over Auberts’ panting voice to culminate in a chorus that is sheer shoegazer.

The Silversun Pickups have two albums (‘Carnavas’, 2006; ‘Swoon’, 2009) and an EP (‘Pikul’, 2005) under their belts. In 2006, they supported big brand names such as Snow Patrol, Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs in concert. In 2009, they appeared at both Coachella and Lollapalooza, and they are currently on an extensive US and European tour. This June, ‘Panic Switch’ made it to number one on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, beating out Green Day and Linkin Park.

Distinct yet familiar, the Silversun Pickups are relentlessly picking up speed (and fans), and are quickly becoming one of the most interesting new bands to come out of L.A in years.