SSM

SSM unites three leading figures from Detroit’s garage rock underground into a supergroup: keyboardist John Szymanski of the Hentchmen, drummer Dave Shettler of the Sights, and guitarist Marty Morris of the Cyril Lords. Listeners anticipating a straightforward continuation of those bands’ earlier styles soon discover otherwise. The trio’s sound blends moody psychedelia, edgy synth pop, electronic dance elements, and traces of prog rock, all delivered with high-energy physicality and clear technical command. The musicians first convened in 2005; their initial public appearance came that August at Detroit’s Garden Bowl, the venue linked to the city’s established Magic Stick rock club. After sharing a bill with the Black Keys, they secured a West Coast tour in autumn 2005. Their self-titled debut album appeared in April 2006 on the Alive label, distributed by Bomp. Subsequent travels included a U.K. run alongside the Datsuns, an American trek with the BellRays, and numerous regional dates throughout Michigan and the Midwest. In late 2006 the group issued the six-song EP-1, which included a contribution from noted groove jazz organist Lyman Woodard. Early the following year they embarked on another European and U.K. tour. Plans call for tracking their second full-length album in spring 2007, with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys serving as producer.