THEY ARE: Second to None

THE MEMBERS: Anthony Bennett, guitar and vocals; Ben Contreras, bass and vocals; Yogi, drums; Joe Cortez, lead guitar

THE SOUND: Intelligent and intelligible punk rock

THE WEB: myspace.com/secondtonone

ALBUMS: Second to None (2006), Wreck of Rock N Roll (2007)

INFLUENCES: Guns N’ Roses, Rancid, the Clash, Social Distortion

WHY THEY'RE DIFFERENT: “I guess contrary to most punk rock, we don't believe in any form of anarchy or anti-government. We believe in being self-reliant, working for your own benefit and not having to rely on the government,” Bennett said. Take the song “Realist,” which includes the lines, “I know there are people who need help / With this I can agree / I won't support the lazy / You're a tax on me.”

WHERE TO SEE THEM: Jiggers, 1639 Babcock Road, on Saturday, Dec. 29; Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar, 1033 Ave. B, on Jan. 5.

THE 210 TAKE: You won't get bored listening to Wreck of Rock N Roll. Besides their anti-punk-lifestyle songs, Bennett and Contreras write about working, partying and everything in between. The bitter “40 Hours” includes the lines “Look at this world, you say it's a mess / How can I see when I'm working to death?” The sweet and funny “Irish Girl,” which Contreras wrote about his wife, includes the lines “So now you know the story / Of my angry Irish wife / I'd love to tell you more / But she got a killer right.” Whether you prefer your punk thoughtful, angry or fun, Second to None has you covered.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor