Straightforward, no-nonsense, aggressive post-grunge rock. That's all it is. Alternative? To what? These days that word describes the mainstream, and Sacramento's PROON is anything but. Sandwiched somewhere in between the hardcore rap/metal and smiley-face pop that dominates today's music scene, PROON offers a universally appealing sound which manages to be edgy without sacrificing melody.

    Guitarist Scott Vaughn meshes hard-hitting power chords with intricate melodies that you'll be humming in your head for days. Drummer Victor Balta may be smiling most of the time, but don't be fooled... he's among the hardest hitting percussionists in Sacramento. Bassist Curtiss Pflager keeps the floor rumbling with his deep bass grooves. And above it all Ken Cuozzo's introspective and intelligent lyrics rise with a smoothness periodically punctuated with snarling emotion.

    With songs about everything from facing inner demons, struggles with inadequacy, and antidisestablishmentarianism (well okay, I just wanted to use that word), to songs about public drunkenness and love internet-style, PROON is original, honest, pragmatic, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek. Their songs are rooted in experience, and are meant to be something everyone can relate to.

    Formed in 1997, PROON has spent the last two years perfecting their chemistry, recording a five song self-produced CD "Foreword," and finding a comfortable place in the Sacramento club circuit. Dreams of rock stardom carefully placed on the back burner, PROON is an interactive and accessible band onstage that loves to play to the crowd. Fans of the local music scene themselves, they are fiercely loyal to the town that has supported them, and would like nothing better than to "give it back to Sac."