Highly Suspect

Itâ??s unusual for a low-profile rock band to receive two nominations shortly after its first album.

Sounds Like: A Guitar Hero song that you've five-starred but can't stop playingFor Fans of: Queens of the Stone Age, Velvet Revolver, Royal BloodWhy You Should Pay Attention: Highly Suspect are from Brooklyn, and they've played shows with very Brooklyn-sounding bands (like Grizzly Bear) - but the hard-charging, Cape Cod-born rock trio sound like they'd rather guzzle battery acid than sip artisanal coffee. Their upcoming debut, Mister Asylum, is the first album by a rock band released on the Lyor Cohen co-founded 300 imprint; and it's a hooky trip to the gutter with guitars that melodically gleam under the grit. This summer they're hitting Bonnaroo, touring with Scott Weiland and then following that up with a trek alongside New Artists You Need to Know alumni Catfish and the Bottlemen.They Say: Highly Suspect's music is chaotic and barnburning, and it sounds like their live shows are no different. "There has been a disaster at every show in one way or another," says guitarist-vocalist Johnny Stevens. "A kick pedal breaks or an amp blows, or [drummer Ryan Meyer] has the flu and keeps his puke bucket right next to him - but it's our mission to never let the audience know when things are going wrong." They have a sweet side too: First single "Lydia" is about a failed relationship, but Stevens got to keep their cat, Pam. "I want to have my own house and a yard one day that she can explore," he says. "I wanna have a nice warm fireplace nestled into a big hearth and on the shelf above it there will be a Grammy."Hear for Yourself: Stevens may have Pam on his side, but that doesn't make the static sludge of "Lydia" any less heartbroken. Larry Fitzmaurice