In high school, Adam Musick, lead singer and guitarist of Southern Bitch, didn't indulge himself in the guilty pleasures that formed his band's sound.

The outcasts in his classes listened to the likes of AC/DC and Lynryd Skynyrd, but now, Musick admits these bands had a lasting impression.

"I am inspired by [lead AC/DC guitarist] Angus Young and the way he plays guitar," Musick said. "And Lynryd Skynyrd, their guitar work is amazing."

Southern Bitch, with openers The Marauders and Giving Chase, will perform its energetic rock 'n' roll tonight at the Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave.

Based out of Athens, Ga., Southern Bitch has hints of every type of southern music in its sound.

Musick admits that growing up in Virginia, it was hard to not love the twang of country and bluegrass.

"I've been exposed to southern culture head-on," Musick said.

"The mountains in Virginia is where bluegrass comes from. ... I like any kind of music, as long as it's great."

Thunderbolt, Southern Bitch's debut, was released in 2002, and the band is working on a follow-up EP, which will be out on Sub-Pop records. The band's tour has been going well, except for one snag.

The band's van broke down outside Michigan, causing the cancellation of a couple of dates.

On the road, Musick does not have the problem of missing his loved ones. His wife, Wendy, plays guitar and sings with the band. Musick said the band has been playing some of the best shows of its career, especially one at the Blond Pig in Ann Arbor, Michigan, prior to the van's breakdown.

"I personally felt it was the best show of the tour so far," Musick said.

While Thunderbolt is at times a bit slower, the band's live show is all up-beat rock 'n' roll, he said.

" 'Hoopsnake' and 'Thunderbolt' really get the crowd going," Musick said. "Pretty much the whole show is energetic rock 'n' roll."

But the band isn't just about rocking; its songs address serious problems in society. Musick mentioned the inspirations for his songwriting.

" 'Mark of The Beast' talks about the state of America's youth," he said. "It's sort of a wake-up song."

Opening the show are Altoona-based band The Marauders, a rock-a-billy punk act.

Ben Dumm, lead singer and guitarist for the Marauders, is looking forward to entertaining the crowd tonight.

"Our live show is definitely heartfelt," Dumm said. "We are having a good time on stage, and I think it shows."

The Marauders play about 90 percent originals, Dumm said, and try to mix in covers by bands such as The Misfits or the Clash. The band's original material has a unique sense of humor and high level of energy.

"We have a song called 'Roadkill'; it's about driving home from work, hitting a rabbit, taking it home, cooking it, and then eating it," he laughed.

Tickets for the 21-and-over show are $4 at the door.