Between the Trees

They're a group of young men not far from boyhood, but don't lump this Orlando-based quintet in with the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, or any other processed cheese band to pop up from the world of Disney.

Between the Trees, considered an indie band with branches slowly stretching into popdom, comprises two brothers and three friends, their ages ranging from 18 to 21.

With punk sensibilities and alt-rock mantras, the band over the past six months has recorded with Pete Thornton — whose resumé includes work with Shinedown, Paramore, and Day of Fire — and mastered its latest CD with multi-Grammy-winning producer Ted Jensen.

During that time, Between the Trees played the Warped Tour and three months ago held its indie-label Bonded Records debut CD-release party for The Story and the Songat Hard Rock Live Orlando. That show drew more than 2300 fans, a venue-record crowd for a regional act.

The Story and the Song, released this past September through iTunes, independent retailers, and merchandise booths, charted on Billboard's Heatseekers South Atlantic chart at No. 3 and Independent Album chart at No. 44, making Between the Trees a true word-of-mouth success story.

Adding to its rapid rise, Between the Trees will play this year's Bamboozle Festival May 5 and 6 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Not a bad ride for a young band with roots in Orlando's west side and its close-knit music venues. — Paul Catala