Combine great pop/rock songs with incredible live performances and you've got The Brodys, a band that has had Northern California buzzing for almost 10 years.

      Best known for the regional hit "Toss," which spent nearly a month as the most-requested song at Sacramento's KWOD 106.5, The Brodys also have appeared on the international stage with four songs in the MTV series, "Undergrads." Characters in the animated series were seen rocking to "Toss," "Flamingo Motel," "Cheerleader" and "Religious Girls."

      The Brodys are in the studio recording their fifth CD, adding another entry to their pop/rock chronicles of high school misfits, lost opportunities and loud music.

      For the latest recording, the band is rejoined by engineer Joe Johnston, known for his work with Cake and Oleander, and also for making The Brodys' previous release, "Unexamined Life," a standout recording.

      While past CDs have received wide acclaim -- "Goody Goody" was described by The Sacramento Bee as "a buzzing, melodic, wholly polished recording that sounds more like a major-label album than the self-released effort that it is" -- much of the band's popularity has been built on the strength of its live performances.

      Front man Tony Brusca (lead vocals/guitar) brings energy, passion and fun to the stage, backed by the power of Ace Kapoor (guitar/backing vocals), Chris Chaussee (guitar/backing vocals), Troy Hook (bass/backing vocals) and Dave Kline (drums).

      In addition to headlining shows on the club circuit from Los Angeles to San Francisco, The Brodys have opened for touring bands including matchbox 20, Lit, Smash Mouth, Orgy, Foo Fighters and Cake.