Heiruspecs

If underground hip-hop is the new emo, then Heiruspecs is making sure the Twin Cities are the new Omaha. Indeed, the St. Paul, Minnesota, outfit does suffer from symptoms of Saddle Creek Syndrome. Relying more on live instrumentation and original hooks than just vocals and lyrics, the five-piece has become Minnesota's second-biggest hip-hop export, overshadowed only by Atmosphere. The two bands' relationship can be likened to that of Tim Kasher and Conor Oberst -- Cursive may be permanently obscured by Bright Eyes, but that doesn't stop either of these groups from making impressive work. Fortunately, there are no hard feelings between Heiruspecs and Atmosphere -- the 'Specs often tour as the backing band for Atmosphere.