The landing pad awaits these rockers

The Party of Helicopters

With Hella

Sunday, 7 p.m.

Platters

2200 Murray…

The Party of Helicopters

With Hella

Sunday, 7 p.m.

Platters

2200 Murray Ave.

(412) 422- 3370

Tonight, The Party of Helicopters, along with Hella, will blow away the audience at the recently opened Platters in Squirrel Hill with a rarely seen intensity.

Formed as an experimental side project in Kent, Ohio, in the fall of 1995, The Party of Helicopters started out with bass, vocals, guitar, keyboards and drums, but is now down a keyboardist, which adds to the sound’s roughness. The band has released two full-length albums as well as a few other recordings, each on a different independent label or labels, all while touring extensively and planning a full-length release for early 2003.

For more than six years, The Party of Helicopters have earned comparisons to everyone from Led Zeppelin to The Smiths, defying a definite classification as the band sometimes maintains a well-developed sensitivity while at other times playing guitar solos and screaming fiercely.

Grinding along with intensity, this band never allows the senses time to dull. It blends elements of hardcore, pop, metal and emo to create a driving and harmonious blend that evokes moods ranging from dark and brooding to hopeful and upbeat.

Using stormy feedback, choppy rhythms, and ominous vocals, The Party of Helicopters is sure to keep the crowd on its feet and watching intently.