The metallophone - think staple children’s toy, rainbow colored, metal barred instrument with attached rubber mallet - has been around for hundreds of years. The melodica, a free reed, mini keyboard, played by blowing air through a mouthpiece, was invented over sixty years ago.

And The Seabellies, an Australian based, alternative rock/ Indie pop, sensation were born in the eighties.

Take the old school instruments, combine six parts youthful musicians, a dash of down under and a whole lot of moxie and what you get is a sound more innovative than toaster ready waffles.

Formed in New Castle, New South Wales, Australia the group was dubbed, “ best new band,” this past October where they took a US stage for the first time at the CMJ Music Marathon.

Known for their variety of instruments including, the accordion, tambourine and saxophone the Seabellies perform with more spunk in their sneaks than kids on caffeine. They are a multi-talented gang that fashions a trend setting sound with ancient instruments.

Next time they hit US tour circuit, put their show on the top of your “to-do.” You’ve got to SEA it to BELL-IES it. For now you’ll have to settle on their debut album, set to blow up mid 2009.

-Meghan