WHEELS 2.0 THROWS THE WINDOWS WIDE OPEN

Smash your preconceived notions about the music that turns us on around here, ’cause this week we have finally surrendered. Yes, readers, we’re admitting, right here, right now, how excited we are to delve back into our teenybopper days with our “One to Watch.” We’ll also give you an update on one of our favorite electro-pop acts and hip you to a new rock band outta N.Y. that demands your attention. Keep 'em comin’ to [email protected].

ONE TO WATCH
Tinted Windows (www.myspace.com/tintedwindows) are a multigenerational power-pop supergroup that is quickly finding fans among industryites and consumers alike. Formed by Mmmbopper Taylor Hanson, original Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, legendary Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos and brainy Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, Tinted Windows are on the road celebrating their highly anticipated April 21 release on S-Curve. The result of this remarkable mix of talent is a raw, high-energy sound that draws from several decades of rock as well as the signature style of each all-star member, yet sounds unlike the bands they’re associated with. Be sure to catch them on Letterman (4/21) and Jimmy Fallon (4/23) and live at Bamboozle just in the next month. If you can’t wait till the 21st, their first single, “Kind Of Girl,” is available on iTunes now.

ON DECK
Static Summer: This five-piece pop-rock band from NYC, whose newly recorded demo was produced by Jay Gordon, Mitch Allan, Scrap 60 and the band, and mixed by Jay Baumgardner, is top-notch and quickly turning heads in the industry. “She’s Not a Lover, “ our pick for the first single, has already been spinning on WRXP N.Y., thanks to Matt Pinfield, and has been stuck on repeat in the Wheels labyrinth for the last two weeks. There is little doubt this band is poised and ready for big things. It’s just a matter of time before they make their mark on audiences across the country. Catch them live this summer on the Vans Warped Tour and preview tracks at www.myspace.com/staticsummermusic.

BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Ultraviolet Sound (www.myspace.com/ultravioletsound), who you read about right here last summer, will be playing Bamboozle Left this Saturday. If you’re there, be sure to check them out on the Kazoozle Stage at 4:45 p.m.