Lions Awake Tonight

After the success of its debut album, Volume One, a major record label knocked on Lions' door with a less-than-appealing proposition. The Austin quartet declined. "They wanted us to hone in our sound and direct it out, rather than expanding it," says Matt Drenik, the band's singer. "They said, to make it commercially appealing, they wanted calculated singles, not sludgy rock." Good thing they didn't listen. With their latest disc, No Generation, the group pats itself on the back for being the only unsigned band to contribute a track ("Metal Heavy Lady") to the wildly awesome Guitar Hero 3 video game. But they still consider their live shows the bread-and-butter of their game. "We were built on street cred. We've never been money whores. We played with the right bands, and we've been on the ground level," says Drenik. "A lot of bands can make records, but they can't play live. We want to be chaotic onstage and bring out spirit to the live shows. A lot of bands can't do that." Showtime is at 9 tonight at the Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road. Tickets are $5. Call 216-383-1124 or visit www.beachlandballroom.com.
Sat., March 22, 9 p.m., 2008