Purple

Goofballs via rap-rocking ode "Mini Van," Purple fields more than fan-friendly humor. On second LP Bodacious, the Beaumont trio employs serious musicianship to expand far beyond the punk/pop of its debut (409). Guitarist Taylor Busby and new bassist Joe Cannariato know their way around a fretboard, but girly-voiced drummer Hanna Brewer treats every rhythm as if it's her bitch, and together the group tames any variety of styles. "She Know Me" courts alt.soul, "Money" goes from itchy funk to full-on dub, and the subversively creepy "Pretty Mouth" rides a reggae groove. Then "Geniva" and "Feel the Low" stomp back to Purple's louder comfort zone. Bodacious indicates growing up in Beaumont gives would-be musicians little to do but get really good.