Living Things

Equal parts AC/DC and the Stooges, St. Louis-based Living Things distinguish themselves from the legions of like-minded modern garage/hard rock bands by injecting a strong political streak into a large percentage of their songs. Addressing the plight of troops in Iraq, the I.R.S. and the overmedication of the American populace, Living Things have won themselves some critical acclaim for not singing about their hair all the time, even though they sport some pretty impressive 'dos and enjoy a poster-boy image similar to the Strokes. The band formed in 2001 around 3 brothers: Lillian, Eve and Bosh Berlin, with childhood friend Corey Becker playing the part of Fred "Sonic" Smith. They have been on a major label virtually from the beginning; DreamWorks put out their 2003 EP debut, Turn in Your Friends and Neighbors, and Polydor, Universal and Jive the rest of their 5 total releases. The most recent, Habeas Corpus, surfaced in 2009.