The Janks The Janks' bittersweet laze-pop sound is coming to town. The group appears tonight, April 16 at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills.

The Southern California group lets nostalgia rule while still hinging on the big, booming sounds of UK pop-rock. There are heavy impressions of Jeff Buckley in singer Zack Zmed's vocal touches. He's a bit gloomy, but without feeling defeatist; melodic without feeling simplistic. Zmed's also a pretty crafty tunesmith.

Garth Herberg plays both guitar and keyboards, though sometimes Zmed takes on keys duty, mixing up the band's instrumentation with vintage classics like the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer stage pianos.

Bassist Wade Ryff and drummer Jesse Brown provide a steady, understated rhythm section

Together, the guys yield impressive results in the grand baroque pop tradition alongside groups such as Wilco and Pernice Brothers. They also manage tinges of California cowboy, the blues,'60s and '70s pop, and even take cues from veteran folk-rockers such as Neil Young.

The Janks plan to release their official EP in May 2009.

For time and ticket prices, visit www.canyonclub .net.