Howlies and Nova Stella

Howlies: “Trippin' with Howlies”

The Howlies of Atlanta bring it like few bands can: They play fast, loud and tight.

But most importantly the band has fun and you can tell because it's infectious. If you see this band live, you will wish their set would never end. With songs that are immediately catchy, you will find yourself almost singing along even if you don't know the words.

Stand out songs for this band are “Aluminum Baseball Bat,” a song that reminds a lost lover that the narrator has a bat that he will use on her new man if it becomes necessary, and “Sea Level,” a banging track that drives as hard as the Stooges and is as catchy as the Beach Boys.

Inevitable comparisons to fellow Atlantans The Black Lips are perhaps warranted but unfair. Both bands bring a particular kind of garage rock that gets the blood boiling, but Howlies are more surfy and melodic and are more likely to appeal to the ladies.

“Trippin with Howlies” will be out on Feb. 3. Don't hesitate, buy it.

But perhaps as important, go see them live. They are on the road all the time and come through Greenville every few months if you know where to look.

Nova Stella: Rocket Science

Nova Stella is a Greenville band that describes itself as a “funk band that ate a folk singer” with a new record, “Rocket Science,” that covers a lot of territory.

On this record you are likely to hear a funky bass line spliced with a jazzy horn solo in the middle of an adult contemporary song. It really runs the gamit. But it is never jarring. Nova Stella manages to pull off several genres at once without catching the listener off guard.

The band emerged in early 2008 from the remnants of several popular regional North Carolina acts and sites Galactic, Ben Harper, 311 and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones as influences.

Nova Stella plays high energy live shows of original material and covers by their favorite artists.

Josh Humphries can be contacted at jhumphries@coxcn.com or (252) 329-9565.