One of several band members with varying styles, bassist Charlie Nangeroni said local group British Phil is always on the verge of breaking up because of their differing tastes.

At 10 p.m. this Saturday, British Phil will once again put aside differences to play original songs and covers at the Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave.

"We've always been in a tumultuous relationship," Nangeroni (senior-advertising-public relations) said. "We're always kind of clashing."

The band members have a sense of humor about their fighting. Guitarist and singer Mike Doyle (senior-mechanical engineering) said, jokingly, the band is going to kick Nangeroni out for his enduring love of Van Halen and Aerosmith.

Guitarist Bryan Munley (senior-energy, business and finance) said when conflicts arise, the band tries to put differences aside for the good of the performance. He doesn't like Dave Matthews as much as Doyle does, but he knows those kind of songs get a reaction from the crowd.

"When you're in a cover band, it's nice to play what people know," Munley said.

The band calls its style of music "swamp troll rock," which arose out of Doyle's love for fantasy motifs that he likes to put into his songwriting. They're all a bunch a nerds, Munley admits.

Nangeroni said the self-imposed moniker fits the band's style.

"It's folky but a little heavier than most," Nangeroni said. "It's lighthearted, but it carries a bit of mystery to it."

"British Phil" was the nickname of the band's first manager -- a "little curly-haired fellow from England," Munley says -- when they formed during their freshman year at Penn State. The name stuck.

After playing at house parties and Café 210 West, Darkhorse Tavern's owner Mike Caruso asked the band to play regular spots on Wednesdays.

Caruso said the band's sound fits well with Darkhorse's atmosphere.

"They play a style of music that has a country feel to it," Caruso said. "I like that they have a full line-up."

Though the auxiliary band members are rarely all on stage at one time, the band at any given moment could feature instruments as diverse as the steel drums, flute, saxophone, banjo and ukulele.

Nangeroni said the band sometimes calls itself "British Phil and Friends" because it rarely has the same musicians other than Doyle, Munley, and himself play two consecutive shows.

Some of the band's cover songs include "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by The Dropkick Murphys, "Send Me on My Way" by Rusted Root, and "I Know You Rider" in the style of The Grateful Dead.

Nangeroni and Doyle are also members of the Penn State men's rugby team, which often shows support by going to the band's shows.

"The best part is that they like our original stuff, too," Nangeroni said. "When they sing along to our originals, it's a sight to see."