The five individuals comprising the local band Skywire know how to rock but not in the way the typical rock fan is used to.

These Triangle natives blend edgy guitars with electronic backdrops and an occasional scream, making their band one that is quickly and quietly turning heads in the Raleigh area. Skywire formed through Òconnections in the scene and just all of us being friends,Ó according to drummer Brandon Sieprawski, who will attend N.C. State in the spring 2007. Guitarist Paul Leser is a senior in aerospace engineering.

Skywire finally settled on their current lineup after a string of different singers. Current vocalist Nick Driver, an alumnus, came to the band after his old band broke up. Drawing his vocal style from ex-Faith No More frontman Mike Patton, Nick brings a distinctive sound to the band.

All hailing from the Raleigh and Cary area, Skywire might be a local band but their influences are not. Listening to anything from Led Zeppelin to Muse to classical music, the guys in Skywire have a varied music background, and it shows.

ÒI have so many influences that if I had to name a few bands I would be shortchanging my musical background and taste,Ó Dave Weaver, bass player, said.

Drawing on so many influences, the band has a distinct sound to them. And with their unique sound, Skyline members said they take a unique approach to the meanings and messages of their songs.

ÒWe let people take their own explanations and interpretations from our songs,Ó says Nick. ÒI hate it when you see an artist on TV and they try to explain their songs and try to tell people what they mean, the songs just lose all meaning to me after that.Ó

Though they only have a two-song sampler CD out for promotion, the band members attest that they play 10 or 11 songs at any given show and have more than 14 songs in the works. The members of Skywire said they are not content sitting back on their laurels, though.

Plans of recording an EP very soon with producer Jamie King of Between the Buried and Me and He is Legend fame are in the works. After completing the EP, the band plans on going on tour.

ÒWe just got back from touring for about three months and playing a few shows in South Carolina but we are definitely ready to jump on the touring wagon again,Ó Nick said. ÒAnd after the EP is done we plan on adding songs and recording a full-length album too.Ó

Skywire starts up their touring wagon Friday September 15 at the Berkeley CafŽ with Mike Borgia, Airiel Down and the Sibling Project. Doors open at 9 p.m.