Iowa

Iowa:

North of Grand

CITY: Des Moines
SONGS THAT GOT US: “900,” “Des Moines River Conference”
MYSPACE ADDRESS: myspace.com/northofgrand
RECORD LABEL: Unsigned

WHY THEM? Though they’ve been playing the Des Moines circuit for almost seven years, bratty pop-punk trio North of Grand are showing no signs of slowing down or shutting up. These follically challenged but well-dressed dudes belt out the tunes like an early Green Day or Weezer, and 2008’s Setbacks Are Scheduled for Tomorrow bangs out eight songs in 23 minutes. That type of efficiency calls for a stuffed Chuck Taylor full of power hooks and street-punk melodies, and there isn’t a dull chord to be found. It’s high time North of Grand broke past the cornfields and onto the national scene.

BONUS BIT! In a 2009 Iowa radio station survey for “Best Local Band,” North of Grand beat out some metal band named Slipknot, who finished in a tie for second with indie kids the Envy Corps.

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