Red Rocket has a hard time putting its sound into words.

The State College-based band, which will perform at The Brewery, 233 E. Beaver Ave., Monday night, plays what lead vocalist and keyboardist John Vogel (junior-journalism) calls genre-transcending, "juxtapositional" music.

But while their music can be interpreted as incorporating multiple diverse influences that range from heavy metal to reggae to classical, one thing seems to be sure.

Red Rocket is loud.

"We get kicked out of almost every place we play because we're too loud," Vogel said.

"Well, not kicked out, but we get yelled at about it."

And getting yelled at fits in with the band's image of itself.

Composed of Penn State students Vogel, Adam Katz (junior-art) and Tony Henderson (senior-mechanical engineering) and University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown student Tristan Palazzolo, Red Rocket is a musical outlet for what guitarist Katz calls "immature, profane-type stuff."

And, along the same lines, Vogel said those attending one of the band's live shows can expect to encounter a lot of screaming, swearing and drinking on stage.

On the other hand, however, they can also expect a set of completely original music.

"I've always been concerned when people hear us for the first time because we're different," said Henderson.

"Here in State College, it's all cover bands. It's taking a risk being different, but I think for the most part people appreciate it. It's something new."

Red Rocket came together in late 2000, when Vogel, Katz and drummer Palazzolo — friends from high school — started playing together and writing music.

Henderson, who also attended the same high school, joined the band about a month ago, taking over the bass playing duties from Vogel and freeing him to concentrate on vocals and keyboard.

Since its formation, the band has gained exposure by playing venues like The Brewery, as well as setting up gigs at house parties in State College. In addition, it has recorded two CDs at Bob Chob Studios, located at a friend's home in Pittsburgh.

Vogel explained that the band members usually record everything live first, sticking to their usual instrumental assignments.

They then do a lot of overdubbing, and whoever comes up with the idea for the overdub usually does it himself.

These elements all come together, in the end, to create Red Rocket's unique, hard-to-define sound.

"I've been asked to describe us so much. It's really hard to do because we don't fall under any normal genre," Henderson said.

"But it's definitely very interesting."