5 Boise Bands (Other Than Built to Spill) You Need to Hear Right Now

The author, Eric Gilbert, seen here at the Sunset with his Boise-based band Finn Riggins.

Boise, Idaho, is not usually thought of nationally as a musical hotbed. If you have heard talk of Boise's music scene, it was probably in reference to trailblazing indie-rockers Built to Spill. But in a series of sparks here in the past couple of years, more and more local bands have emerged from their bedrooms/garages with albums in hand and inspired live sets to share. Our biggest bands aren't all Pitchfork darlings (yet), but Internet-mining beat-seekers would do well to push their cursors toward southern Idaho for some surprises.

One of the most significant changes in the dynamic was the introduction, in April, of new community radio station Radio Boise to the FM airwaves (KRBX 89.9 FM). For the first time in a long while, local bands and up-and-coming indie touring acts are getting regular airtime all over the Treasure Valley. This has helped to further energize a reawakening scene. The venue circuit is strong and growing stronger, and more and more bands are coming out of the woodwork. I've come up with five to focus on (other than Built to Spill and my band, Finn Riggins, of course) and a list of others to research on your own. In alphabetical order:

Daniel Kerr, half of this Black Keys-meets-Yeasayer-meets-sweaty house-party experimental duo, released a stellar solo album, The Orb, as Brother Dan late in 2010 that found its way around town pretty quickly. Atomic Mama's looped shamanic beats and powerfully fun live show has been firing up local live-music-goers. They're embarking on their first tour this week (a four-week affair on the West Coast), which includes a stop in Seattle this Saturday, Sept. 24, at Vera Project with my band, Finn Riggins, and locals Neighbors and Chung Antique. They're traveling in a converted half-size school bus and preaching the good gospel of tank tops.

The self-proclaimed founders of "junkerdash," Hillfolk Noir have fine-tuned their dark, Depression-era jangly blues to become one of the most incredible bands in town. Whether they're plugged-in on a big stage, acoustic on the street, or by a bonfire, I cannot get enough of this band and the original tunes spilling out of the bow tie of veteran leader Travis Ward. They are as honest as they come. With a couple of U.S. tours and lots of regional jaunts under their belts, numerous recordings, and endless community spirit, this band is an Idaho treasure, and will be for years to come.