The actual Ukiah drag can be found somewhere on the north coast of California, but for the purposes of this post-punk band's slow, sinister pull, it's someplace other. The trio dwell in a colorless underworld most are not likely to find; their lawless desert-burnt rock cranks through with hypnotizing repetition, acidic guitar wah, and evil, twangy doses of Western country and blues, like the Birthday Party wound tight and unraveled slow as drugged molasses. The band's dark psych-punk assault should also appeal to fans of their recent tourmates, the likeminded Tempe, Ariz., group Destruction Unit.

Despite Ukiah Drag's mystery sound, they didn't come out of nowhere. All three members have backgrounds in noise rock, experimental hardcore, and art-punk bands from Tampa and Gainesville, Fla., whose records are worth exploring, among them Cult Ritual, Neon Blud, Diet Cokeheads, and American Snakeskin. (The first two also featured members of Merchandise.) "The Rats Waltz" is from Ukiah Drag's debut tape, Jazz Mama Is Cryin, originally out through Ascetic House and now pressed to 12" vinyl just in time to play while watching the leaves die.