MATT DRISCOLL: QWONG WILL BLOW YOUR MIND >>>

I’m a sucker for a well executed gimmick. I always have been. (See: my love for Peelander-Z.)

I’m even more of a sucker for an underdog. I think most red eyed agitators are. (See: my heartbreaking obsession with the Denver Broncos for most of the ’80s.)

This week, in both Olympia and Tacoma, there’s a band heading up from Portland â€" intent on unleashing the rock â€" that embodies both aforementioned weaknesses of mine.

Qwong â€" led by guitarist John Wayne Newton â€" are like the Knack meets the Offspring meets the demented mind of a 17-year-old sci-fi geek. Matching guitar led, sugar and crunch rock â€" the kind that makes you smile, not wallow â€" with a space travel bent (not to mention the avid suspension of disbelief) Qwong is a bizarre package that defies most labels.

Tonight, Qwong will rock Bob's Java Jive in Tacoma. Tomorrow, the band will hit Oly. To read the full article in this week's Volcano, click here.