Once in a while, we like to take some time to introduce you to bands -- both local otherwise -- that we think you'd enjoy. Le Diamont Brut aims to showcase those MySpace gems we hope to see shine. Recommend your local suggestions by emailing music@austinist.com.

MiKenPike

What’s the Deal: Don’t let the name discourage you - it’s a mash-up of the members’ names. Their story is one of the more miraculous musical 180s in relatively obscure rock. They began as a dime-a-dozen college rock group, sometimes playing acoustically to Greek crowds full of underage drinkers. Then, a few years ago they underwent a complete musical overhaul. Their metamorphosis into a contagious indie rock group with yards of promise that can only improve with the right production and a little time has turned them into one of the most important bands in Columbia, South Carolina. Amazingly, the change doesn’t seem forced at all. During their shows they are as moved by the music as their most die-hard fans.

No keys, no cello, no distractions: just solid, punchy indie rock with forceful melody. “Laying Next to My Lover” is a cute and harmonious tune with driving chords and simple but effective beat about remembering love and death. “Tell Me What You Said” moves between screeching guitars and classic rock soloing while the vocals occasionally yell and reach their breaking point. Although it says on their MySpace that their new album Record For The Years is available now, there doesn’t seem to be any way to get it unless you live in Columbia.

Something Interesting: They’re headlining an annual day-long concert in Columbia called Pirate Fest on Saturday, September 29th.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Then She Wept”

MiKenPike MySpace

MERYLL

What’s the Deal: This Austin group made up of Kyle Bradshaw, Andrew Hernandez and Art Silva with live and studio help from Alex Dupree and Tiffanie Lanmon is gearing up for the release of their second album, Happened, and it’s full of pretty, atmospheric tones. Set to be released in late October for the Texas-based Esotype records, light-treading keys, ambient guitars, sweet and sleepy vocals and sparse drum beats make Happened a dreamy piece of the Austin arsenal.

They sometimes play shows with acoustic guitars, xylophone and a tiny drum kit, while other nights they bring a full electric rock lineup. “New Carpet,” off their upcoming, is a prime example of their lulling sound swirling with slow, interlocking guitar jingling and soaring and gently-handled lyrics over background organ.

Something Interesting: They posted a few short YouTube videos on their MySpace site of footage of the recording process for the new album that are pretty interesting.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Lydia In The Cornfield” and “Inside On A Day Like Today? I’m Outraged!”

Meryll Official
Meryll Myspace

Image of MiKenPike courtesy of Flickr by Chris Lynch
Image of Meryll courtesy of their MySpace