Monday night and it was déjà vu all over again. During my tenure on the rock 'n' roll road to fame and oblivion, there were plenty of Monday nights in towns without pity - or much love - for a band on the road. It was nights like this when equipment seemed heavier, groupies homelier, and time dragged painfully slow as you nursed a cold slice of pizza waiting for the opening band to finish. Ah yes, showbiz. I felt it all for Leo, a slick four-piece rock band from St. Louis that found itself plying its trade in Rochester on a Monday night at The California Brew Haus.

The Kronics worked through a classics cover set that was heavy on the FM. I see bands like this and wonder two things: 1) Where the hell did Pat Travers go? And 2) Just when exactly did The Eagles become "America's greatest band"? OK, maybe the band's new album is the only thing sold at Wal-Mart that's not made in China, but America's greatest band? Please.

Anyhow, Leo took the stage to the whoops and squeals of a small yet enthusiastic crowd. The band plays what is still referred to as modern rock, even though the genre is definitely in its teens by now. Lots of heavy guitar full of octave chords and a push-pull dynamic borrowed from grunge.

Leo is certainly committed - matching haircuts if nothing else will attest to that - and seems to have a tight focus on what it will eventually sound like. The band has room to grow melodically, however, as the lyrics seemed to be chasing the tune rather than riding it. Notwithstanding, this is a powerful and tight band full of punchy power pop. And all those Mondays the band plays as if they were Saturdays oughta pay off soon.