Local Bay Area boys, The Real Tom Thunder are looking to break out this summer with a new album and a bunch of great shows. Made up of Dan Real, Leon Thunder Wheeler and Tom Kleinsmith, this band brings gritty rock from the soul and leaves all the makeup, glam clothes, pop star BS at home. If you like honest blues/rock/reggae RTT is worth a look. From sultry American rock like Driving to fun dance rock like Copyright Infringement, RTT always has fun on stage and can take you from sad and introspective to jumping out of your seat with energy.

All of these guys are born and raised in Oakland and the influences of that diverse community turn up in many of their songs. From hip-hop to reggae to blues and classic rock RTT is inspired by all music rather than the latest band or some diluted pop dream. These guys play all over the Bay, especially in Oakland and Berkeley. I guess I'd call them Jack Johnson meets Pearl Jam with a sprinkle of Bob Marley. Check them out on MySpace.com/therealtomthunder, so support a local band on the verge and help push them over. The Oakland scene has been hot in recent years for art and music, with other bands like The Lovemakers and Flipsyde.