LAUREN NAPIER: FROM APHONY >>>

Self-described by rhythm guitarist Blake Romney as “catchy, poppy metal,” From Aphony is the sound rock is morphing into nowadays â€" and the band isn’t afraid to scream it.

From Aphony’s major influences range from Thrice to Killswitch Engage to A Day To Remember â€" which leaves some wiggle room as far as pinning down a sound and genre. Is the band screamo? Rock? Are they just loud? If you aim to find out yourself, make sure you have a pair of earplugs on hand tonight at Hell’s Kitchen â€" just so you’re not deaf the second time around.

The band’s just-released EP, Survive, is the follow-up to Conversation Blackout â€" a melodic disc laden with heavy riffs, pounding kick-drum, and contradictory poppy hooks. From Aphony might possess elements easily lumped with bands clogging the current scene, but From Aphony’s stubborn search for originality keeps them above the surface â€" far from drowning in that ocean of cliché.

Their current sound lies somewhere between This Calendar Year and The Confession â€" a large gap, but From Aphony fills it well.

Their live show is nothing short of electric. If you’re not sweating by the end of tonight’s set, you’ll be in the minority, because you can be guaranteed that the members of From Aphony will be dripping.

Can you survive?

[Hell’s Kitchen, Friday, Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m., $8, all ages, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

Photo courtesy of Megan Thompson/MySpace