Despite the slowing momentum of school, the limited sunlight, and the waves of cold weather, there is still good news. The weekend is coming. And on Friday, Feb. 20, live music could be in this weekend. 

Coming this week to The Box is Salt Lake City based indie retro-rock group Michael Gross and the Statuettes, with bands Atl Atl and All At Sea. 

After a three year breather, Michael Gross, formally of The Brobecks, comes back to Rexburg with a fresh sound and a new band.  

The Statuettes are made up of Jimmy Kelly on guitar, Matt Glass on drums and keys and Ben Johnson on bass with some back-up vocals.  Michael Gross brings the vocals and a little more guitar.  

Together they produce a sound part indie, part smooth pop, and part retro rock.  

Though their sound is indie, with the light vocals topping guitar power and sharp drum rhythms, the retro can’t be denied.  

The smooth tones stem from a strong foundation of 60s rock, but highly updated.  

“We can trace everything back to the Beatles,” said Gross.  “We’re all about the driving guitars and a focused melody.” 

Their newest release, Impulse and Exports, reached its one-month anniversary on the eighth of February.  The six song EP is more of a shift towards pop sensibilities from their first release, Dust and Daylight, a folk flavored EP from May 2009.  

“You can expect a little more synth and reverb from Impulse and Exports,” said Gross.

Most of what patrons will hear at the show is from the group’s latest release, but a mix of both EPs will be played.  Both Impulse and Exports and Dust and Daylight will be available for purchase at the show on Friday.  The event is open to all ages.  The show starts at 8 pm and tickets are $5 at the door.

For more information about Michael Gross and the Statuettes, check out their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/michaelgrossmusic or at www.michaelgrossmusic.com.

Olivia Dudding

Guest Writer