Those searching for the meaning of Rock in 2006 need look no further than “Turn It On” by The Melismatics. A swaggering, super-tight pop band fronted by Ryan Smith, The Melismatics take their own modern vision and sterling hooks and tumble them around with the best aspects of the classics. While reference points stretch from Big Star, Husker Dü, The Kinks, and Supergrass, to Devo and AC/DC, the catchy and euphoric noise of The Melismatics is theirs alone. Turn It On was produced by Ed Ackerson (Polara, Golden Smog, Limbeck) at Flowers Studio in Minneapolis. Ryan Smith (vocal, guitar), Mark Wade (vocals, bass), and Ron Caron (drums, percussion) are joined by new Melismatic Pony Hixon-Smith (synth, guitar). Pony, who has played with numerous bands including Mark Mallman and The Hundred Flowers, brings a unique set of indie rock influences and a killer stage presence to the Melismatics. Her contributions have helped push the intensity of the band’s sound to wicked new levels. Like great Minneapolis guitar bands before them, The Melismatics create a refreshing mix of energy and hooks, irony and heart, weirdness and melody. The Melismatics will be touring nationally in support of the new EP this winter and spring.