Opti-Grab

Members: From left: Tracy Murphy, John Roberts, Rick Gradone (all, vocals/keyboard)

Formed: January 2002

Sound: Block-rocking hip-hop à la J.J. Fad and Afrika Bambaataa

Upcoming: Debut album in the works; two songs imminently available on group's website, www.opti-grab.com

Behind the music: The band's secret weapon is Gradone's gigantic disco-diva voice, which could be measured in megawatts. "It sounds like some wierd, desperate trannie from the 80s." Robers says. Gradone adds, "I call it Jheri Girl."

Strategy: "It's really just about getting people to laugh and dance at the same time," Roberts says. "We want to tickle your funny bone while we spank you on the ass." -Mike Wolf

Opti-Grab plays Bowery Ballroom Thursday June 5