By Amber Healy
Contributing Writer

Whatever you do, don't try to classify or categorize the band moe. It would be nearly impossible, as their new album, "Tin Cans and Car Tires," displays.

Blending aspects from nearly all genres of music - jazz, country, blues, rock and even slight undertones of ska and swing - this album, the band's second major record release, could appeal to almost anyone.

The band consists of Al Schnier on vocals and guitar, Rob Derhak on bass and vocals, Chuck Garvey on guitar and vocals and Vinnie Amico on drums. It has high hopes for this new album and rightly so.

The spirit of the band's sound ranges nearly as far as the style itself, going from a jazz feel on "Nebraska," to a more bluesy sound complimented by ska-like horns in "Spaz Medicine."

The startling string introduction to "Plane Crash" leads into a wobbly guitar solo and makes for yet another interesting song. A country sound creeps into its ballad, "Letter Home," a realistic song of homesickness, telling of the long, hard days on the road.

Using their beloved old-style guitars and attracting a "Phish-like" following, the band members should not be regarded as merely another Grateful Dead imitation. Their sound is as unique as any band of the past few years in this "post-grunge" era.

While many are jumping on the swing bandwagon, these four talented musicians are making it clear they won't give in so easily. They continue to draw a following across the country.

The band's popularity continues to grow on behalf of fans, word of mouth and random concert goers. Its live performances are all unique and follow no certain pattern. Fans are actually encouraged to tape the shows, and its fan-run Web site is used as a trading block for rare and nationwide tape trading and selling.

An open minded band with a free spirit and musically driven motivation, music lovers should definitely not miss moe. Check out the new album, and wait for moe. to arrive as the "the next big thing" on the music scene.

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