But it is Caleb Stull's relentless curiosity and daring songwriting that separates the quartet from the indie-rock pack. Lauded by the Canadian press, Parlour Steps has at various times evoked comparisons to the brainy pop of XTC, the drama of Arcade Fire, the lyrical focus of Sufjan Stevens and the snappy rhythmic grip of the Pixies. But a newfound musical confidence gives a carefree flow to the band's music, with a vivacious presence and palpable warmth. The keen intelligence, the ambitious ideas, the pride in tackling heady, cerebral concepts that has characterized the band from Vancouver, British Columbia, from the get-go remain intact. The October 2009 release of The Hidden Names by Nine Mile Records act Parlour Steps should finally put a spotlight on one of Canada's most intriguing bands."If there is an overall theme to be distilled it would be of the never-ending search for meaning and connection in today's world," Caleb Stull, the band's founder, chief songwriter, singer and guitarist says of the album. Check out the first single "Better Than Me" for just a taste of Bobflex's pumped up, muscular rock. Now Dave Mustaine is paying them compliments as they share the same stage night after night with Megadeth, Fear Factory, Dream Theatre, Dillenger Escape Plan and Life of Agony. In fact, Bobaflex already had two Sevendust tours under their belt when the opportunity to join the Gigantour came up. "Apologize For Nothing" is an appropriate title for the quintet's debut on TVT Records, the label that brought Sevendust to prominence. And why should they care? They're just happy to be on the road and out of the small town existence the band's core grew up with in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Their influences range from System Of A Down to Queen. Mostly, the songs on "Apologize For Nothing" rock outrageously hard because Bobaflex is willing to try anything that sounds good, and couldn’t care less how any of it might make them look. There are four singers in the band, so the angle of attack constantly shifts, which is partly why the band’s songs careen around your brain far longer than hard rock’s usual offerings. Bobaflex is an odd beast, a bracing mix of heavy riffage, hip-hop-inspired beats and alternately growling and soaring vocals.