Originally the soundtrack band for the locally shot and produced independent zombie film Make-Out With Violence, The Non-Commissioned Officers decided to be something more than a cinematic one-off. They released the Make-Out With Violence soundtrack in early 2009 while the film played at South by Southwest, and continued to play larger, more exciting shows around town until the film and the band were finally untangled. With songs that are morose but danceable, The Non-Coms fill a New Wave niche that's usually occupied by the sloppy and distracted. The marked growth in confidence and showmanship in frontman Eric Lehning bodes well for the band's potential, and it seems clear the group made the right decision to push beyond their origins. ASHLEY SPURGEON
