Alien appearances aside, The Blue Man Group create accessible music, carrying tunes by using percussion tools of their own creation. On this sophomore effort, BMG moves into the rock context. Surprisingly, the drums, though decidedly complex, are not the centerpiece of all of these tunes. Unlike the band's live performances, The Complex employs guest musicians, among them Tracy Bonham and Dave Matthews, to elevate these tunes above their rhythmic foundations. For those who are looking for the melodious "pop" and "snap" that BMG typically generates, fear not. The opener, "Above," is a kind of symphony of percussion, featuring BMG's PVC vinyl tube-drum invention. www.blueman.com.

With an established rhythm section of drummer Bernie Dresel and bassist Mark W. Winchester (both of whom also perform in The Brian Setzer Orchestra), Ignition! serves some very accessible rockabilly tracks, much in the vein of a tamed Reverend Horton Heat. Dresel's shuffles are crisp and authentic, and they steer the trio with a bouncy, swingy authority while maintaining the ever-present downbeat. And Dresel is able to lock down the straight-ahead rock drive in "'59" quite nicely. Ignition! makes for a sincere fusion of the present and past. (Surfdog)

My crystal ball names BROOKE SOFFERMAN as one of the rising young indie jazzers to watch. On his second outing, the drummer/composer/leader delivers an upbeat sound, more focused than on his previous disc. Sofferman's acoustic ensembles are at ease here, having fun playing his concise, clever tunes. As always, star Boston tenor man Jerry Bergonzi unreels rich solos. The drummer's crisp, popping touch and high-tuned drums reflect the sunny positivism of his writing. Mixing a myriad of grooves, from straight-ahead to a splash of reggae, Sofferman's hungry enthusiasm shines. Place future bets that the buzz will grow.

Like it's predecessor, Burning Airlines' second album, Identikit, is filled with guitar-driven post-punk modern rock songs. Throughout the album, it's obvious that Moffett plays for the song. But the notable element in his playing is how he uses one idea as the foundation for each song, keeping other concepts in reserve. If you're looking for minimal but aggressive drumming, Identikit is a good place to start. (DeSoto)

Many bands combine metal, hardcore punk, and noise rock, yet too many end up with a big, sloppy mess. Not Burnt By The Sun, whose deft approach yields inventive results on their first full-length. If any group can pummel your eardrums into wonderful submission, it's BBTS. But it's how they augment their scorching attack with artful arrangements and cool sociopolitical wordplay that makes them so appealing. And keeping things especially intriguing is DAVID WITTE, with well-placed fills, humongous power, and a talent for juggling numerous time signatures.