Flaunting a combination of power pop and Smiths-influenced British rock, the Walkup took root in New York City in 2005. Guitarist/vocalist Alex Koch, drummer Michael Petrucelly, and guitarist Sean Finnigan originally met at a Lower East Side bar, where they bonded over a shared passion for music and Scotch. The trio released an EP in 2005 and began playing local venues, including the influential CMJ Music Marathon in 2006 and 2007. Bassist Christopher Ayoub then climbed on board for the Walkup's full-length debut, Down on Pacific, which arrived in 2008. ~ Andrew Leahey