The Verdict
"Fun, fun, fun" sums up these power-popsters' appeal. They're among the most popular party bands in town.

Tip Sheet One of Sacramento's Best Nominated for making nerdiness cool, power-pop hip and beer truck drivers fashionable. The Winner Is The Brodys have scored a number of SAMMIES nominations, finally taking the Outstanding Pop Band award in 1999. In a Name Brody was the lead character in the film ''Jaws.'' Know Them Better Read an interview with the band.

Historically Speaking
Vocalist/guitarist Anthony Brusca, guitarist Ace Kapoor, bassist Troy Hook and drummer Dave Kline got together in Davis back in '94 and have steadily converted clubgoers ever since. Fans have flocked to the band's appealing "high-school nerd" subject matter, what Brusca calls "Dorky Times." Lyrics aside, the Brodys know how to rock a crowd, thanks to some savvy pop writing, and perhaps more importantly, Brusca's tireless live performances.

The Skills
The band's strongest point is performance. They keep their tunes fairly simple, with sing-along choruses, big, fat beats and bigger, fatter guitar chords.

The Influence
It's a no-brainer where Kapoor got his nickname: KISS' Ace Frehley. Like Frehley, Kapoor plays a Gibson Les Paul and has been known to pull off the odd KISS-inspired solo. Other inspirations: Cheap Trick, ELO (they've covered "Don't Bring Me Down"). —Ned Hammad

Also nominated as Best Band: The Deftones and Deathray I All Music