Little Rock, AR's the Kicks features singer/guitarist Scott Cook, bassist/vocalist Joshua Faulkner, lead guitarist/keyboardist Jesse Palmer, and drummer Jaren Johnsten. The band formed in 2000, blending power pop, punk-pop, and metal influences into a sound they could call their own. They debuted in 2002 with their self-titled first album, which was released by Compendia; two years later, they returned with their TVT debut, Hello Hong Kong. Along the way, the Kicks played with such artists as the Donnas, Nada Surf, the Get Up Kids, Local H, and Mötley Crüe. ~ Heather Phares