Evolved from the classic rock foundation of singer Steve Wilkinson’s former band Gravelpit, Mission 5 delivers a diversely-influenced yet more refined sound that complements the singer’s newly cultivated vocal style. While retaining his bar-worn huskiness and charismatic swagger, Wilkinson’s former bluster has been replaced with a richer, more focused delivery which pairs with the similarly matured songwriting found on the band’s new record, Search for a Perfect Life.

Backing Wilkinson is a tight, veteran three-piece consisting of Roland Klasen (Bombshack) furnishing a sinewy, classic bass sound, Rick Barry (Haymaker) laying down solid, muscular beats, and Craig Stahr (The Quags) delivering seasoned, blistering riffs with his signature fat guitar tone. Together they make a monstrous, crashing racket that subsides when least expected into a finely-honed chorus or a no-limits guitar solo that pulls back just before going completely off the rails.

Stirred together from the epic arena rock of The Who and Iggy and the Stooges and cooked to a simmer with a dash of the blue collar feel of Springsteen, Search for a Perfect Life. serves a blast of fresh psychedelic pop that also manages to be a little bit country and a lot rock n’ roll. Called “quite possibly the most underrated band in the city’s history” by The Oregonian, Mission 5 is the band to beat for blazing guitar licks, a locked-in rhythm section and epic tunes that soar to great, Americana heights without a trace of irony.