This week we had the opportunity to sit down with Minneapolis band Guerrilla Blue.

A garage rock version of 1996-era Dave Matthews Band (the good era, if you ask us) crossed with STP and/or grunge tendencies, this indie pop jam band craves a setlist-obsessed fanbase who will sing the nah-nah’s on “Kobe” and sneak into the bathroom to makeout during “I Just Don’t Know.”

Up for the challenge? If their self-titled EP is any indication, these guys are probably worth checking out sooner than later. There are minor tempo issues and some pitch problems, but overall it’s a strong 4-track that translates well live.

They’ve played a few gigs around town and have a date Thursday, Nov. 29 at Big V’s with Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk, Austin Scarlett and Falcon Arrow.

The boys are going to build up some street cred and then release a full-length album this spring.

Perfect Porridge: Who is Guerrilla Blue?
Guerrilla Blue: We are: Paul Shanafelt: Vocals; Chris Wingate: Guitars; Todd Wiersma: Drums, Percussion; Andy Ford: Mandolin, Violin; Nick Williams: Bass.

Where did the band name come from?
We struggled for a long time trying to figure out a good name for the band. We originally wanted to make it meaningful in some way but we ended up putting two random words together that sounded good. We then all agreed and Guerrilla Blue was born.

Who are your influences?
All of us have a range of musical tastes. I guess we have never officially mentioned to anyone what are influences are as a band. We have Paul Shanafelt listening electro-based stuff like Justice and Mel Gibson & the Pants and then we have Todd Wiersma who is a big Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam fan. So there are differences among individuals but I think we can say that we all dig Led Zepplin.

Where was your self-titled EP recorded?
Our EP was recorded at Taylor Sound Studio in Minneapolis and it was produced and engineered by Paul Shanafelt, with some help from Brad Baker with vocal engineering.

What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a lot of fun. It is great having a producer and engineer that is already in the band. Paul works part-time at Taylor producing and recording bands. He does a great job. We didn’t have to deal with trying to track the guy down for our mixes or explaining our vision for the recordings which many bands run into with their first record. He helped us write the music so the vision and the sound were decided easily. It’s priceless to have a producer who is on the same page as you.

The EP is actually songs we picked out to release from two previous sessions in the studio. We are planning on releasing a full-length album which will be out in the spring of 2008.

There’s a good mix of semi-eclectic instruments on the EP (violin on “Kobe”; mandolin on “Against the Grain”). Who’s responsible for the non-traditional instrumentation?
Andy Ford is the man on the Violin and Mandolin. Andy is a classically trained musician that has been playing since elementary school. When we decided to start this band we knew Andy had to be a part of it. His sound is what differentiates us from many rock bands our there today. We are excited about Andy’s creativity and the energy he brings to the stage.

Where will Guerrilla Blue be 10 years from now?
Ten years from now we see ourselves touring the country with possibly the support of a label. We just want to keep on making music and can’t wait to come to the point where it can become our full-time jobs.

Where can people buy the EP?
Ours is FREE. We have printed 200 and that is all we will give away. It is given away at our shows.

Catch Guerrilla Blue at Big V’s tomorrow and stream three tracks from their new self-titled EP here.