Cheap Girls

As the dorky-looking American rock band from Lansing, Michigan, Cheap Girls have managed to create the iconic sound of successful late-90s/early-2000s bands like Weezer and Ben Folds Five. Coincidentally, looking at front man Ian Graham with his thick, black-rimmed glasses, you can’t help but conjure up a physical comparison mash up between Weezer’s Mike Cuomo and Fall Out Boys’ Patrick Stump.

Aside from the physical comparisons, like many a rock band from the early 2000’s, they offer just the right amount of teen angst with a dash of quirkily ironic lyrics. Despite band member brothers Ian and Ben Graham having worked together since they were just kids, there’s still an awkwardness about them onstage, albeit a comforting one, that makes you feel as if even the most introverted creature can somehow manage to overcome an innate level of shyness to rock the stage.

Looking up thoughtfully while belting out songs like ‘Ruby’ or ‘Knock Me Over’, you get the sense of an introspective performance from Ian, one that resonates beautifully with a fist-pumpingly eager crowd signing along to every hit. Guitarist Adam Aymor is just as into his riffs, swinging his shoulder-length hair consistently with the bass. Brother Ben pulls up the rear while beating away energetically (in comparison) on the drums.

If you get the chance to see Cheap Girls, an intimate basement venue with a crowd full of fans is a must.