Alarm Clock Conspiracy

With a band name like Alarm Clock Conspiracy, some might think this new Asheville musical outfit to be one that dabbles in psychedelia.

And while there are some trippy aspects to the band’s new self-titled debut album, it really is an exercise in straight-forward rock, with hints of country rock and jazzy blues.

The emphasis here is on originality and strong songwriting.

Alarm Clock Conspiracy will perform at Murphy’s Restaurant and Pub in Boone Saturday, Oct. 13, beginning at 10 p.m.

The band features Ian Reardon on guitar and vocals, Chris Carter on guitar and vocals, Jamie Hurlston on drums and Wes Jameson on bass. With its “garage band” quartet of instrumentation, the band holds true to the “guitars-bass-and-drums” rock of bands of the 1960s and ’70s and relies on a live sound with few overdubs.

The voices of Reardon and Carter perfectly complement each other, particularly on songs, such as “Tomorrow’s Past,” where they harmonize on the choruses.

The band delves into country rock territory on the tracks, “On Me” and “Hello You Young Shadows.” With help from mandolin player Michael Guggino (Steep Canyon Rangers) and pedal steel player Forest Smith, the band really achieves a classic Pure Prairie League-like vibe on the two songs, adroitly mixing acoustic and electric instruments.

The band also gets some guest musician help from Isaac Wells on percussion, Jimmy Sipes on Hammond organ and Chip Symonds on saxophone on the sprawling track, “Something’s About To Break.”

But for the most part, Alarm Clock Conspiracy’s debut album is all about a tight foursome finding its groove through tight playing and cool rock hooks.

Whether it be pounding out the power chords of “Gone” or going straight into the stratosphere with the lead lines of “Walking Alone,” this is a band that knows its way around a guitar neck.

“The ‘conspiracy’ which we speak of is the conspiracy that all humans must awake to a bellowing alarm clock each morning, only to rush off to work at a job that they truly hate,” said a spokesman for the band. “We are the spearheads of a revolution against day jobs everywhere.”

For more information on Saturday’s show, call Murphy’s, located at 747 W. King St. in downtown Boone, at (828) 264-5117.