Moody power pop with an intellectual twist.

The Skinny

The Perfect Song The band got its name from a manager's remark that 54 seconds is the time it should take to get to the chorus in a perfect song, which in his opinion, was not what the band was writing. Bee Gee Pedigree That's right, Spencer is Robin Gibbs' son. Positive Attention Check out why they were picked as one of 20 To Watch.

For any who bemoan Austin's singer/songwriter-saturated music scene, 54 Seconds are a breath of fresh air. The group's artsy, introspective power pop packs the house every Monday at Speakeasy. The weekly shows have generated enough great music to make a "Best of Speakeasy" live album, which will be released soon.

54 Seconds always keep it interesting. A stage set of old TVs piled on top of each other playing static reflects the understated but dramatic mood of their songs.

Fab Four
Although these four come from different musical backgrounds, they blend their influences seamlessly. Spencer Gibbs' silky voice, joined by one of Austin's best drummers, JJ Johnson, the effects of Stewart Cochran's piano and synths, and Glenn McGregor's dark bass makes one of the coolest new acts in Austin. — Sarah Marmion

updated Aug. 28, 2000