Jackson Free Press

There is something special about the sound of electric guitars, and New Orleans' The Breton Sound is not afraid of it. The band's music isn't all in-your-face guitar, though—it also features solid drumming, catchy melodies and gorgeous harmonies. The sound is crisp, solid and, most of all, just plain likeable.

The first single from the band's newly released EP, "Maps," is called "Standing on the Edge of the World." The song jumps out of the speakers with distorted glory and booming drums. The harmony-laden verses build to a chorus worthy of an arena, and the guitar solo soars.

The guys of The Breton Sound have been together for about a year and half. Jonathan Pretus plays guitar and sings lead; his brother Brian Pretus plays bass and sings harmony; Stephen Turner plays guitar; and Jonathan Alcorn plays drums.

"It makes for a nice harmonic blend," Jonathan Pretus says about singing with his brother. "I'm a huge fan of The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, so it's very similar to what Brian and his brother Carl did."

Pretus calls Turner the band's "architect of tone." "He's always trying different combinations of amps and pedals to achieve his sound," Pretus says.

"(The sound of 'Maps') really came together very naturally," Pretus says. "When we record, we like to get the best, most natural performances. All four of us bring that to the table."

The Breton Sound has performed all over the South, including a set at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest earlier this year. In February, Paste Magazine even named them one of the "12 Louisiana Bands You Should Listen To."

"For now, we plan to play regionally through the fall with maybe doing a tour out west later in the year," Pretus says. "We really want to push the record. The Internet is great for getting your music out there, but you really need to get in front of people in order to prove that what you do is for real."

The Breton Sound performs at Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601-960-2700) Aug. 17 at 10 p.m. Admission is $5. Visit thebretonsound.com.