Painted with the States' peculiar palette of hope, alienation, ambition and uncertainty, Pela is a truly American band. The Brooklyn-local quartet -- who has shared billing with the likes of the Flaming Lips, Sleater-Kinney, the Decemberists, and Gomez -- imbues their folksy, "pastoral punk" rock with our national turmoil and triumphs. The heart-thumping drums and earnestly angst-ridden vocals (conjuring up a Joshua Tree-era Bono) of "Present" make for an unassuming anthem in the tradition of "Born To Run". Pela's debut, Anytown Graffiti, starts tagging up the Great Society label, April 24. BRIANA MOWREY

Now Hear This:
Pela - "Present" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
pelamusic.com

Talk: Is "Present" a gift to your ears?