If you happened to slip upon Banana Magic at an apartment last semester, you heard the classic progressive sounds that are quickly gaining the group entrance into the State College music scene.

Bassist Patrick Fraser described the band's style as "upbeat, sort of Ocean Blue but not so clean and wimpy." But Banana Magic is determined to maintain its identity, said Matt Breakey (senior-architecture), rhythm guitarist for the band.

"We don't want to become another R.E.M. cover band," said Fraser (senior-graphic design). "There's enough alternative music out there to vary it."

Ranging from the mellow sounds of the Church to the grinding buzz of Social Distortion, Banana Magic keeps the sets interesting with covers reminiscent of happier times when R.E.M. wasn't mainstream and Modern English hadn't yet made a club version of "Melt With You."

Practicing in an apartment basement and playing small parties, members of Banana Magic, who leave the name to individual interpretation, began performing in bars and fraternities this semester.

"It's easier because everyone has done this before," Fraser said. All four members have played in other bands.

Impressed with the response they received following their first performance at Tau Kappa Epsilon, 346 E. Prospect Ave., Banana Magic members hope to jump into more fraternities and a regular bar night.

"It was kinda hairy at first," said Fraser of the band's first bar gig at The Saloon, 101 Heister St. "But it went well."

J.R. Mangan, who was at The Saloon that night, joined the band during "Brown-Eyed Girl."

"They have a lot of potential," Mangan said. "It's good to hear bands play something other than classic rock."

The band scene is getting a lot fresher in State College, said lead vocalist and guitarist Tony Condouris (senior-architecture).

"There's a strong influence of younger bands," Fraser said.

For this reason, the band sees State College as becoming more receptive to new bands and new music.

"It's good to hear a local band playing their own stuff. It's tough to do that here," Mangan said.

Banana Magic's originals, all written by Condouris, fit in well with the style of progressive music they cover, Mangan said.

"I was kind of surprised after a song when they said it was an original," Mangan said.

Condouris said he has heard the same response from others, and he described the band's original style as "melodic with a heavy edge."

If the band, comprised of seniors, gets a following in the area, they'll stay through the summer, eventually recording a demonstration tape to send to record companies, Condouris said.

"I want to do whatever pays the bills and buys CDs," Fraser said.

The band will play at both The Saloon and Cafe 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., and at fraternities this month.