If you like songs that are fast, heavy and noisy, then LA trio Icebird may just be up your ear-splitting alley. Comprised of Barry Monahan (guitar and lead vocals), Kate Wise (drums and vocals) and Mike Monahan (bass and vocals), Icebird brings an energy and exuberance to rock that shines with each pounding performance. The band recently released a follow up EP titled "Championship Bloodline."

Looking back at the tour earlier this fall, lead man Monahan reminisces, "Our favorite performance was performing for some of the most enthusiastic metal heads you've ever seen in Oakland, CA at the Stork Club while we were out touring the west coast. At that same show, we also got to follow one of the most amazing bands we've ever seen, Greenhouse Effect from Oakland. It was a revelation." The three kindly took a break from recording their new album to tell us what inspired their own music this year.

1. Shellac - Excellent Italian Greyhound
2. Blond redhead - 23
3. Yeah Yeah yeahs - Is Is
4. Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs - You Can't Buy a Gun When You're Crying
5. White Stripes - Icky Thump

(next five after the jump)

6. Greenhouse Effect - Blast Shield Down
7. Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil
8. Justice - †
9. Webstar presents... Caught in the web
10. Big Business - Here Come the Waterworks