By Josh Hertzog   Published Apr 22, 2005 at 5:21 AM

{image1} With a name that seems synonymous with Red Hots candy, The White-Hot Tizzies are gearing up for a CD release party at Linneman's Riverwest Inn this Saturday, April 23, ready to provide music for all to eat up.

The White-Hot Tizzies, who formed a little over a year ago, are a two-piece band composed of drummer/lead singer Rob McCuen and guitarist Ron Turner, with a stripped down rock and roll style similar to The White Stripes and influences like Elvis Costello.

According to the band, it takes two.

"Since we have only two guys playing, it's challenging," McCuen says. "But, that's why we enjoy it so much. It's produces very honest music that doesn't have any clutter surrounding it.

"We're a real tight duo," McCuen adds. "We cover a lot of emotional terrain."

The new disc is "Stash," five tracks that venture all over the musical map from '60s pop with tambourines to what McCuen calls "balls out Detroit rock." But, according to him, the record is nothing like their live shows.

"The record is misleading, in a good way, though," McCuen says. "Some of the songs on the disc feature two to three guitars, bass and keyboards. It's a big sound. Live, we strip down to just the vocals, guitar and drums."

That's when the magic happens for the band.

"We have songs that push the parameters of a 2-piece band," McCuen says. I'm working hard out there. After the show, I'm a dish rag."

McCuen was formerly the leading member of Rob McCuen and The Ruins four years ago. After an untimely breakup, he thought about quitting the music scene, but soon realized he shouldn't.

"At the urging of some friends, I formed the White-Hot Tizzies," says McCuen. "Paul Wall, a friend of mine, convinced me that what I had was a solid sound and to keep running with it."

You can also check out Paul Wall as his band, Trolley, is set to open for the White-Hot Tizzies. The Static Model starts off the double CD release party with their performance at 10 p.m.

The White-Hot Tizzies will perform at midnight at Linneman's Riverwest Inn, located on 1001 E. Locust St. For more information on the show, call (414) 263-9844.

The White-Hot Tizzies can be reached via e-mail at whitehottizzies@hotmail.com or by clicking on the link from www.easterrecords.net.