Eight to watch in 2008

THE HAPPY HOLLOWS

www.happyhollows.com

The dancy, Pixies-ish convulsiveness of this Sarah Negahdari-led trio is undeniable. Their debut album is almost ready.

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KING ELEMENTARY

www.kingelementary.com

Gritty, straight-ahead rock on the quartet’s forthcoming debut “No Cure for the Living Room” avoids the campy pratfalls of many hair bands. Get your Bic lighters ready.

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LOW VS DIAMOND

www.lowvsdiamond.com

The quintet’s Radiohead-influenced “Life After Love” EP (on Epic) put them on the map as songwriters; their consistent excellence as a live act distances them from the pack.

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METRO STATION

www.myspace.com/metrostation

Emo/dance-rock hybrid from a Hollywood quartet fronted by Trace Cyrus (yes, Billy Ray’s son and Hannah Montana’s brother); album was just released by Columbia.

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NO AGE

www.myspace.com/nonoage

Noise-pop duo, emerging from the DIY scene surrounding downtown’s underground venue the Smell and earning raves for “Weirdo Rippers,” is now signed to Sub Pop.

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DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND

www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes

Unabashedly retro O.C. sextet bring back the innocence, energy and instrumentation of the ‘60s and ‘70s with its prog rock-meets-the Band debut “First You Live” (SideOneDummy).

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SHWAYZE

www.myspace.com/shwayze

The self-professed “only black kid from Malibu” is weed-obsessed, girl-crazy and a boatload of fun, whether he’s rapping or crooning. Album due on Suretone/Geffen.

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SAM SPARRO

www.myspace.com/samsparro

Laptronica, meet the ‘80s: Electro-soul as rendered by this charismatic Aussie expat on his debut “Black & Gold” EP can be kitsch, but it can also be rich.