It's that time of the semester when students are pulling their hair out and freaking out about midterms, assignments and college life in general. But there is always something to get us by, and that is a kick-ass concert. The Out Back Shack has had a couple of good shows in the past month or so, but on February 17 they had something extra-special for us. Dinosaur Bones were in the house, along with Teenage Kicks and the wildly entertaining TV Freaks. All these bands are creating a huge buzz in the indie rock scene, especially Dinosaur Bones. And I was lucky enough to witness the best show The Out Back has put on thus far.

As soon as TV Freaks started playing, it was absolutely impossible for your attention to get drawn anywhere else — especially when you have a drummer with nothing on but his boxers and a frontman who is having on-demand seizures and rolling around on stage. Their music is punk with a slice of The Hives and a touch of Comeback Kid. These guys rocked! They had so much energy, great and tight musicianship and were remarkably entertaining. They paved the way for the next band, Teenage Kicks.

Teenage Kicks are a hard-rocking melodic punk band out of Toronto and, well, let's just say these guys don't mess around when it comes to getting the job done. After seeing these boys perform once before in London at the APK, I kind of knew what to expect, which was exactly why I was so excited in hearing they were on the bill that night. These guys kind of remind me of Billy Talent meets The Tragically Hip after kidnapping Dave Grohl. They engaged the crowd throughout the set and didn't miss a note. I see great potential in those guys and look forward to seeing them in town again for a third time.

And last but not least in this night of great music was Dinosaur Bones. I have waited a while to get an opportunity to see them in action after having the pleasure of listening to their amazing single "NYE" on the radio countless times. Dinosaur Bones have been creating quite a buzz in the indie scene. I've missed so many opportunities to see them, so as soon as I heard they were coming to Fanshawe, I was completely stoked. They were the perfect addition to the mix of the rock salad to end the night off, as they are more of an experimental melodic rock band. I got lost in their unique sound as soon as they started, it was so soothing and yet rocking. Their songs have so many layers and such depth to them that they surprise you every time you think you have them figured out.

After the show, I was lucky enough to get an interview with the bassist Branko Scekic and frontman Ben Fox of Dinosaur Bones. They were really humble and cool dudes to talk to. Here's what they had to say.

Where did the name Dinosaur Bones come from?
"I saw it in a dream, lit up in big bright lights, like that scene in Boogie Nights. I knew it had to be."

How long have you guys known each other and how did the band form?
"We've known each other a good long time. Most of us played music together as far back as early high school. And then there's Josh. Not really sure where he came from. He just showed up on our doorstep one day, down on his luck with a twinkle in his eye. 'Can we keep him?' the little ones asked. 'Yes we can.' And boy, could he play guitar."

Who are your influences in helping creating the unique sound that is Dinosaur Bones?
"Influences creep in in so many different ways. Sometimes they slap you in the face, then they're gone before you know what happened. Other times they slip into your bed without you noticing, and before you know it they've moved in for good. And all of them influence you in one way or another, whether you're conscious of it or not. There are too many bands we love and too many albums that come and go (and some that come and stay) that catch our ear and make us stop and take notice. It's impossible to list them. That being said, I'm on a serious post-Beatles John Lennon kick right now. And the new Real Estate record is really great. It's like a frosty glass of lemonade."

How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn't heard you before?
"To be honest, I'd really rather just put a CD in someone's hand and say, 'Here, listen,' and let them figure it out, rather than try to paint some vague picture of our sound in a sentence. But I'll try: moody, melodic indie rock."

How did it feel when you heard yourselves on the radio for the first time?
"It was a pretty exciting feeling, knowing all the hard work that had gone in and seeing it finally get off the ground a little bit. It's like a parent watching their child take its first steps. A pretty insignificant milestone in the grand scheme of things, since that baby is surely going to come crashing back down on its face at SOME point, but an exhilarating moment nonetheless."

And how did you guys dig Fanshawe/London? Come back!
"The Fanshawe staff are always really good to us. We're always happy to come back."

For those of you who are interested in checking out some up and coming fresh blood in the indie music scene, keep an eye for all three of these bands and check out their websites to see when you can catch them in London and your hometown. Show some love for our Canadians: Dinosaur Bones myspace.com/dinosaurbonesband; Teenage Kicks myspace.com/teenagekicksteenagekicks; and TV Freaks teeveefreakzz.bandcamp.com.