American Bang (formerly Bang Bang Bang) stop short of waving the rebel flag on their new EP American Ride but still proudly salute Southern rock in a manner not unlike the band to whom they are rightfully and most often compared, fellow Nashvillians and friends Kings Of Leon. But whereas the Kings new album is a more cerebral and esoteric affair, American Ride is all hip swiveling riffs and barstool swagger, stuffed with cocksure come on lines and straight talking tales of rock and roll excess. In the last year the band has opened for the likes of Hank Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and 38 Special, a touring trial by fire that has focused the four piece into a razor sharp rock machine whose surprisingly sophisticated songcraft unabashedly aims for the mainstream on songs such as ?Good as Gold? and the re-recorded version of ?Traffic.? The band have just returned from L.A. where they have been working on their Maverick Records debut with L.A. producer James Michael. Next BIG Nashville marks their first show under their new name, a moniker which they'll soon be taking out on the road with The Donnas. (www.myspace.com/bangrock)