I'm generally against using equations to describe bands (band X + band Y = band Z). They're rarely apt—just an attempt to cite influences. On Song Sparrow Research's Bands Page, the band post an equation that, like most, doesn't make any sense: "Jeff Buckley x Mogwai + Neil Young ÷ Pink Floyd." But it was interesting enough to merit a listen—I'd love to hear a Mogwai/Neil Young collab. Turns out, I don't hear Mogwai at all, but there is a moody Neil Young/'70s folk vibe in the song "Everything's Okay." And a harmonica. Maybe that's the Jeff Buckley influence.

Listen to Song Sparrow Research on The Stranger's Bands Page at www.thestranger.com/bands.