Bishop Clay to release 'Sideways'

It seems like just yesterday that Alice in Chains, Disturbed and Godsmack were wunderkinds. Now they're influencing bands, and Bishop Clay, which releases its debut release "Sideways" Friday at Altar Bar in the Strip District, can be considered the second generation of crunching, variegated rock with a definite cant toward metal.

Vocalist and guitarist Paul Benson formed the band while attending McNally College of Music in St. Paul, Minn., then brought the concept home to Pittsburgh. With Adam Winestock (guitar), bassist Ryan Ramsey, keyboardist Brandt Stater and Troy Syzmanski on drums, the band is capable of diverging from its basic sound. The title cut has a jazzy, breezy feel, and "Love Song" is a variation on the power ballad motif.

Admission for the 10 p.m. show is $7. 9Sundays is the opening act. Details: 412-263-2877 or www.thealtarbar.com .