Founding member and singer Colin Ross used to be the face of Hit the Lights. But when Ross left the group, the band found itself with an identity crisis on the horizon.

However, the band from Lima, Ohio, soldiered on and turned the setback into an opportunity. After guitarist Nick Thompson assumed the front man role, the band released a successful new album and embarked on an extensive touring schedule that includes a stop in State College.

The band will play an all-ages show with A Rocket to the Moon, Fireworks, Split Fifty and Nightbeast at 7 tonight.

The trouble for Hit the Lights began when Ross left the group in the summer of 2007. The band was forced to cancel its current tour and attempt to recover. Thompson said many of the band's fans supported the group through its transitional period.

"We were doing pretty well, but then Colin quit and we kinda had a time where we fell off a little bit," Thompson said. "What's cool is a lot of kids stuck around."

Thompson said the decision to sing was also made at the urging of the band's fans.

"The fans made it a lot easier for me," Thompson said. "Going from guitar to singing, it's a pretty crazy transition. I give credit to them for helping me come to my own."

The new incarnation of Hit the Lights took to the studio and recorded The Warrior with Thompson on vocals; he describes the band's sound as "heavy pop."

Tonight's show is part of the AC Slay Tour, which Hit the Lights is headlining. Garrett Bogden, owner of Nittany Booking, said the group's increasing popularity might mean it will soon outgrow smaller venues such as SoZo.

"I've been trying to get the band to come to State College for like two years," Bogden said. "I think this is going to be the last time you can see a band like that in a place this small."

Some local Hit the Lights fans have been anticipating this show for a while.

"Garrett has been talking about doing a show with Hit the Lights for a really long time so it's cool to see it happening," Aaron Bobuk (senior-mechanical engineering) said.

Fans said they appreciate the opportunity to catch the band before it outgrows smaller venues.

"It's pretty cool that Hit the Lights will be in State College," Shane Reid (senior-chemical engineering) said. "Their music is full of energy, it has a lot of catchy lyrics, and since they are up-and-coming, they actually care what kind of show they put on."

Thompson said the band relishes the chance to get close to fans.

"We have awesome fans," Thompson said. "Places with barriers and stuff kind of suck. But I hope we get to the point where we can sell out big rooms."

The prospect of Hit the Lights selling out those bigger shows could become reality, considering the group will soon be joining several big-name acts this year.

"We're going out in a few weeks with Motion City Soundtrack and Chiodos," Thompson said. "Then we're on the SassyBack Tour with Cobra Starship."