Item number eight in the 12 steps to a better understanding of the band Dropping Daylight reads, and I quote, "They played with Papa Roach and Jason Mraz a couple days apart and emerged from the week confused about their place in this world."

That about sums it up.

This Midwest sensation has played hundreds of shows from small clubs to the outdoor arenas of last years' Vans Warped Tour and still remain unsure as to their personality.

Formed by two brothers, Sebastian and Seth Davin, and their high school chums, Dropping Daylight was originally named Sue Generis, a play on the Latin phrase meaning "without equals." Their piano-based guitar rock seemed a little less than the named inferred, so a more appropriate title, Dropping Daylight, was adopted when the boys signed to Octone Records. They toured with a range of bands like Motion City Soundtrack, Say Anything and Breaking Benjamin still without a concrete understanding, so they made a record.

Their debut full length album, Brace Yourself, released last summer after two EPs, is stuffed with anthems and power chords set behind Sebastian Davin's classically trained piano and smooth vocals. Brace Yourself is a catchy and addictive pop record with solid songs throughout. They drive harder than label mates Maroon 5 but are sometimes compared with a hardcore Ben Folds. As it is, Dropping Daylight have been struggling to identify themselves separately from other post hardcore projects that have recently been wearing a thin welcome. The combination of piano ballads underneath the forceful angry lyrics concerning our political leaders and their girlfriends, Dropping Daylight have been tugging at the heartstrings of pre teens everywhere. It's too bad their Feb. 23 show at the Last Day Saloon is 21 and over only.

Their spot on the national SnoCore tour with Army of Anyone gives them a one-day break to play Santa Rosa's Last Day Saloon as a warmup for Slim's the following day. Anyone wanting to feel the high school vibe once again is welcome to rock along.

Dropping Daylight appears on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Last Day Saloon. Burden Brothers open. 120 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 9pm. $5-$7. 707.545.2343.

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