In celebration of their recording debut, Glens Falls' Phillips Head hosts a CD Release Party without precedent in this area Friday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center's Heritage Hall.
The party features free copies of the disc for all attendees, and free beer for those over 21 and soft drinks for those under 21.
It's an approach that befits a trio, which in recent years has become one of the area's most popular rock acts.
"We know how to throw a good party," joked Jason Irwin, Phillips Head's guitarist, lead singer, and principal songwriter. "We're not trying to make money with this show. Rather we just want to thank our fans, and get our music into the hands of the people who've supported us in the past."
Formed in 1994 as a quartet that specialized in cover tunes, Phillips Head garnered a local following at local clubs like the Sunnyside Par 3 and Freddy's On Elm Street.
In the ensuing years they've trimmed their line up by one, with Irwin joined by Steve Graves on bass and the singularly named Benny on drums.
They've also revved the R.P.Ms of their material and incorporated more original songs into their repertoire, fashioning a music rooted in the herky-jerky post-punk styles of the late 70's and 80's.
It's a full-throttle sound reminiscent of The Clash and Ramones, and latter-day practitioners like Green Day, groups that knew how to make do with less.
"I miss not having another guitarist to fatten our arrangements, but with just three guys, we're tighter now than we've ever been," said Irwin. "We each know exactly what the other is doing."
The tunes on the band's self-titled debut come in short, sharp bursts, eight originals that rush by like a freight train in a brief 30 minutes.
"It wasn't all that easy," he remarked. "Some songs took a few takes to get right, but it's a project we're all proud of."
The CD Release Party begins at 10 p.m., with doors opening at 9 p.m. Special musical guests include Dredded Wheat. Tom Case of C-Toe will serve of Master of Ceremonies.
In addition to free drinks, pizza and a cash bar will also be available.