Members of the band July for Kings left their hometown in Ohio once again yesterday to make their way to State College after a week-long break from touring.

The band will play tonight at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., with SR-71 and Exies. The show starts at 9 p.m.

July for Kings' lead singer and guitarist Joe Hedges said the band is excited to play with SR-71 because they attract younger, more energetic fans.

The guys of July for Kings have never been to State College before, but during their last tour, they played mostly at colleges.

"Students are more fun," Hedges said. "Colleges are always a good time."

After years of touring and producing their own CDs, July for Kings signed with MCA and recorded its major debut album, Swim, which was released Nov. 5.

Tonight's show will feature mostly songs from the album, but the band promises a much more aggressive sound than can be heard on the mellow CD.

"Our shows are like the record, only a lot more exciting. We have a lot of fun," Hedges said.

Hedges wrote most of the songs, which feature deep, poetic lyrics and strong instrumentals. Backed by guitarists Travis Delaney and T.J. Miller, drummer Sam Dobrozsi and bassist Jason Morgan, Hedges sings with a power that has brought the band fame and popularity in the Midwest.

The group hopes to spread this fame with the new CD and current East Coast tour. Touring is a vital part of the band's success, and July for Kings enjoys the intimacy of playing in front of an audience.

"Touring takes you back to the reason rock and roll exists," Hedges said.

Despite the band's growing fame, July for Kings, whose members have been together since grade school, sticks to its small-town roots.

In the group's first single, "Normal Life," Hedges sings about "Ohio skies" and "fields for miles and miles." The band admitted that, after months of touring, it felt good to go home.