Perfecting the art of power-pop, Spill is taking the all-killer, no-filler approach to a new level. A foursome dedicated to becoming a driving force in the music scene, this band's collective efforts have been rewarded with well-deserved recognition and praise.

Together since 1997, Spill has taken its act on the road to destinations such as L.A.'s International Pop Overthrow and Toronto's North by Northwest music festivals. With a following that is growing to national dimensions, these guys remain focused more on the music than the stardom.

"One thing we do as far as our songwriting goes is that we go through a lot of material and have written a lot of things that never make it to the table because we focus so much on writing really good material," claims lead singer and guitarist Jack Rodee, who says that each member is responsible for writing songs.

"The beauty of that is that it spreads the wealth of what we do," adds drummer and vocalist Kirk Farber. Instead of there being one person who drives the band, Spill is driven by all of us. It makes a stronger unit for us."

These attempts have paid off as Spill was recently awarded a Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for best pop band.

With a sound resembling acts such as Semisonic, Foo Fighters, and Badfinger, Spill achieves a rich and enjoyable pop blend. The guitars and vocals of Andrew Hintz, as well as the bass and vocals of Chad Solberg, keep Spill's melody-driven tunes tight and riveting.

"It's the kind of music you could play for a long time. Pop music is always going to be around," says Rodee.

Currently focused on recording a new album, Spill's latest accomplishment -- a self-titled album produced by Michael Hoffmann -- is evidence that this band has what it takes to stand the test of time. One of the gems of the work, a tune appropriately named "Midwestern Jinx," has a folksy, down-home feel, while the jangly "Leave Me Out" is an upbeat statement on relationships that have nowhere to go but out the door. The resonance of "Hope You Never" is likely to ignite a flashback to the days of The Cars and Cheap Trick.

While Spill aims to delight audiences with strong performances and quality music, they also go the extra mile by handing out free EPs to their fans. Therefore, a trip to hear Spill not only means hearing a good local band perform live, it also means you can continue the music experience after the show has ended.

Having done its homework, Spill is setting its sights on building its skills to a point where it has the elements needed to get signed by a record label. In the meanwhile, you can see Spill on Fri., June 1 at Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave., as part of the Camp Heartland Benefit and Fri., June 22 at London Bridge Pub, 1247 N. Water St., with The Lackloves and Udi Subidi.

For more information or a chance to hear some tunes by Spill, check out www.spilltheband.com.