Terry Malts: "Don't I even get a goodbye this time?"

GUARDIAN PHOTO BY MIRISSA NEFF

Terry Malts (www.facebook.com/terrymalts) had me at "Your love makes me nauseous," a line from its upcoming release. The Guardian covered the band before, but this year something has shifted. The previously secretive act (the trio still posed for us with bags over their heads, though I can assure you, all three have faces) is stepping one pinkie toe out into the public sphere; at least, it's finally releasing its debut LP, Killing Time, Feb. 21 on Slumberland Records. (There also will be a split seven-inch in a few months on Loglady Records with LA's Dead Angle.)

Described perfectly to-the-bone as chainsaw pop, Killing Time is gloriously melodic slop packed with noisy punk riffs, classic SST evoking lyrics, and the all-important yet now often forgotten samples peppered throughout; there's one from Suburbia (1984) — "don't I even get a goodbye this time?" — and another that's just a faded/manipulated Beach Boys strain. Fans of Crass and Flipper, Nathan Sweatt, Corey Cunningham, and Phil Benson have all spent time in other local acts. On Dec. 16, 2009, at a Slobber show at Pissed Off Pete's, the trio came up with the name Terry Malts and thus a new project. It should be noted that Terry Malts were the only band that offered me a beer at the shoot — Budweiser, natch.

Description of sound: Black Tambourine Flag.

What do you like most about the Bay Area music scene: Tell you what we don't like instead. The Bay Area music scene seems to get defined by a handful of bands that have been deemed "The Sound Of San Francisco" and it's very limited in scope. Not everything is garage rock here.

What piece of music means the most to you and why: The Buzzcocks' "Singles Going Steady" is a good meeting point for all three us.

Favorite local eatery and dish: The #6 at Turtle Tower, best for hangovers.

Who would you most like to tour with: A reunited Henry's Dress (c'mon HARTMAN).