Perhaps the best-kept secret in town, these guys spend more time honing their unique sound than primping for cocktail parties or e-mailing the industry. A blend of gen-x musical in-jokes, retro-homage and plain kick-ass rock and roll provide a changing backdrop for intelligent lyrics telling of life's contradictions and the dysfunctions of destiny. Snippets of 70's cop show themes and heavily encrypted John Barry-esque references prick at one's memory synapses while authentic instrumentation calls up imagery dating back as far as Orbison's 50's and inclusive of Petula Clark (now defunct), the Seekers and the Association. Singer/Songwriter Robbie McDonald, while seemingly happy to struggle through life's lessons (the vibe is perfumed with a sardonic sense of pep), never minimizes his contribution to relationships gone sour, the mysteries of attraction and repulsion and the mechanisms by which one gets, well, fucked over. Todd McDearman, a Mahler-meets-XTC bassist and vocalist, has been said to speak volumes through an instrument once thought to be generally a supporting act. McDearman's arranging abilities contribute solid, hook-laden groove to a complex pop sound. The latest addition to the Adagio family is Shawn Heintz-Mackoff, formerly of indie band UFO Bro. His innate sense of pop rhythms, at once sophisticated and simple, allows the band to find the musical "zone" like never before. His energetic, good humored and technically adept drumming style adds a new dimension the band had been searching for since its inception. Trip Adagio has just finished their second CD in Josie Cotton's Bedroom for the fledgling Allure Records. No unsolicited material will be accepted as the label is operating on a maxed-out credit card and exists solely to promote the interests of, well, Trip Adagio.