With their brass-knuckled performances and contemplative lyrics, RULE 62 is a sign of intelligent life in an often hostile and indifferent universe. The band's self-titled debut album on Maverick, produced by Ron Saint-Germain (Soundgarden, 311, Bad Brains, Tool), is a study in contrast and tension: effervescent power-pop melodies and conscientious lyrics scraping against violent white noise eruptions and explosive rhythms. RULE 62 particularly displays firepower on the album's first single, „Drown." A veritable vortex of melody and rhythm, „Drown" speaks of the uneasy relationship between humanity and technology.

„It's about feeling overwhelmed by the whole mass media electronic superhighway freakazoid extravaganza," Coakley says with a laugh. „I love technology, but making friends on the Internet could never replace being outdoors or touching the earth. There's a need for balance.2

Where „Drown" paints a portrait of one man sinking beneath the weight of technology, Coakley assumes more assertive stances elsewhere on RULE 62. „Wake Up" is a self-explanatory call to arms, while „Dead Fish" pleads for environmental and intellectual awareness (to wit: „what you throw down your sink, that is what you drink/what you throw down your head, that is what you think"). Then there's the deliciously ambiguous „Zero", in which Coakley juxtaposes lovelorn sentiments against satirically mopey alt-rock images.

As would befit a band that sings about the threat of societal collapse, RULE 62 creates a splendid din. Guitarist Jon Goodell is a sonic deconstructionist, while bassist Eric Banks and drummer Johnny Knight provide supple, tumultuous grooves. And though the band specializes in punk-inflected rock, tracks like „She Sells" and „Someone That You Know" boast gleaming pop structures. All in all, RULE 62 is a magnificent jigsaw of words, thoughts and sounds.

„For me, it's never been about creating the same song over and over again, otherwise I could just listen to the same song on a loop," says Coakley. „I wanted to make an album in the classic sense of the word, where the music takes you places and veers off in different directions. It all goes back to that whole concept of the process, where you're actually evolving."

Hailing from Orange County, California, RULE 62 was formed from the ashes of Cadillac tramps, the pioneering indie-rock band with whom Coakley honed his songwriting and guitar playing skills. The band recorded four albums and completed several North American tours before creative differences and persistent in-fighting took their toll. But instead of quitting the band outright, Coakley remained loyal and formed RULE 62 as a side project.

Assuming the role of frontman, Coakley initially recruited temporary members until he could find permanent fixtures for his new venture. Coakley's idea: to blend his Southern California punk roots (Black Flag, the Adolescents, TSOL), with musicians whose noisy influences included Sonic Youth and Hüsker Dü.

By 1994 fatigue and internal squabbles resulted in Cadillac Tramps' inevitable demise, but Coakley was well on his way to securing a permanent lineup for RULE 62. Like Coakley, drummer Johnny Knight was a veteran of the Orange County scene, having played with underground legends, D.I. Guitarist Jon Goodell honed his melodic style performing with Naked Ape, and bassist Eric Banks played with Jon Goodell back in high school.

„We toured the West Coast and Canada before we even set foot in L.A.," Coakley says. It was the band's intention to develop outside the music industry backyard of Los Angeles performance, RULE 62 was being courted by several labels. Maverick Records won the lottery, thanks to their tireless efforts, indie-like guerilla attitude and major label resources.

The band recorded their debut album at New York's legendary Electric Lady Studios. „From the first time we walked into the studio, we knew we wanted to make the record there," Coakley says. „There was a total vibe in that place."

That „total vibe" has resulted in an album of 12 unforgettable rock'n'roll moments. RULE 62 is the culmination of hard work and a thoughtful, impassioned approach to songwriting and musicmaking.

„I've never been in a band like RULE 62", Coakley says. „Everybody respects each other, everybody gets along. Once in a while there's an ego trip, but we resolve things really fast because we have that rapport. I think you can hear that on the record."