JENNIFER JOHNSON: TONIGHT AT JAZZBONES >>>

In mid 2007 bass player Vinny Beatty talked about his newest project after the demise of Never Quiet Never Still, Beatty's former band that did really well in the Northwest. He said that he was getting some guys together to do some new stuff. This passing comment was followed by another, months later, when Beatty nonchalantly stated Twilight Drive, his newly formed band, was going to be "sorta indie rock, pop, grunge, with a lot of energy. But better."

The band celebrates one year together tonight, headlining a show at Jazzbones. Twilight Drive assuredly has achieved that "better" Beatty spoke of. As a band, they've selected parts, bits and elements from many music genres spanning many years, melded them together, fine-tuned it and are now delivering one hell of an honest, non-contrived, and yet-to-be-named sound of their own.

Go ahead. See if you can put a label on their sound. To my ears, tracks available on the band's MySpace page like "Heart of Arms" pleasantly bring Modest Mouse to mind. "Her Father's Son" is reminiscent of early Stone Temple Pilots prior to Scott Weiland's smeared lipstick and dress wearing days. "Last Words" has a little Radiohead undercurrent.

Music is a decidedly personal experience. Each person derives completely individualized experiences from listening to the very same thing. Twilight Drive's full-on sound is smooth. From the writing and front man Patrick Smyth's accomplished vocal delivery to the overall musicianship, this band is a fine wine. With each live performance they gain more confidence, showing increased improvement and ease on stage, with each other and the audience. The band has also been working on combining projected images as visual background for their music with great success.

Sharing the bill at Jazzbones with Twilight Drive will be the highly eclectic duo Swampy Draws and hip-hop group Nasty Left. Swampy Draws has emerged as what appears to be the comedic alter ego of  Tacoma  musician Sean "Beauford" Nivens. He's joined by drummer/percussionist Mud Butt Mysterioso for a rousing, dirty-mouthed, hilarious and fiercely entertaining live show complete with stage backdrop painted like the front porch of a shack in a Southern state. The duo performs gritty  style  blues that makes fun of pop stars and loves to "get sloppy on the "shine" all in overalls sans undershirts with tattoos blazing and a big ol' gold gangsta grill in Swampy's mouth.

[Jazzbones Tacoma, Saturday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m., $7, 2803 Sixth Ave, Tacoma, 253.396.9169]