To see power trio Antique Scream on stage inevitably recalls images of Nirvana, with singer/guitarist/bassist Chris Rutledge shredding away passionately at his guitar, face always half obscured by a mop of blond hair, chin always covered in beard stubble. But musically, there are very few similarities, aside from the fact that Rutledge is a solid songwriter and a dexterous guitar player -- he focuses on infectious guitar hooks that recall ´60s psychedelic and garage grooves rather than mopey grunge dirges, and his lyrics are about love, not self-loathing. And while the band maintains a consistent gritty, bottom-heavy rock sound on its latest album, Sink the Sun, Antique Scream never sticks to one style, moving easily through a variety of vibes, from chugging space rock to primal blues. -- Niki D’Andrea
