Raleigh’s experimental indie rock band Annuals took the Varsity Theater’s stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday night to a crowd of about 40 people who hopefully cared less about the Air Guitar Championships Regional Finals being held at that same venue later in the evening. Unfortunately, the “real musicians” of the night played to a small crowd but didn’t let that shape their performance beyond a short set with no encore.

This is the 11th time I’ve written about Annuals since August 18, 2006. What is it about this band that keeps me coming back for more?

Twenty-one year-old Adam Baker’s heartfelt songwriting and frantic stage presence. A showmanship founded in creating the best possible sound first and foremost — meaning everyone in the band sings, claps hands and has a vital role in shaping every single aspect of every song. Dual drummers who create churning, tribal rhythms that inspire an almost carnal reaction. And oh so much more…

The group previewed two new songs off their forthcoming full-length, and based on the amount of talent that continues to flow from this super-young band, I think we’re going to have an early Christmas this year. Although it was her first experience to Annuals music, my wife said the band reminded her of a young, Science-era Incubus. With the driving drums, Baker’s vocal approach and funky bass on certain songs, I can buy that. To me, they are just Annuals, and (I’ve said this before) modern day comparisons to Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire and the Flaming Lips are all appropriate, albeit probably unfair to such a talented young group with such promise.

I have to give Annuals guitarist/backup vocalist Kenny Florence credit. On-stage he definitely plays second fiddle (that’s a metaphor) to Baker, but he does a good amount of heavy lifting in playing, writing and singing during the band’s set. Note, Florence’s pet project, Sunfold, release their full-length debut, Toy Tugboats, on the new Terspikhore label on July 22.

Here’s a link to my interview with Annuals at SXSW 2007. Vu at We <3 Music also has a review up, including the setlist. Here’s my review of the group’s new Wet Zoo EP, which you should go buy right now. Do it.